The Maghi Ganeshotsav or Ganesh Jayanti is an auspicious day dedicated to Lord Ganesh. It is a Vinayak Chaturthi falling in the month of Magh according to the Hindu Calender. The day is observed on the fourth day (Chaturthi) during the waxing phase of moon (Shukla Paksha) in Magh month which falls in the month of Januaury and February according to Gregorian calender [1].
The day is believed to be the birthday of Lord Ganesh in Maharashtra and Goa. It is different from the Ganesh Chathurti which is celebrated in month of August or September in most of the states of India. In Maharashtra, the Maghi Mangeshotsav is celebrated at some places and not in every street/locality like the Ganesh Chaturthi which is a grand celebration.
The devotees celebrate this festival for 5 to10 days by bringing idol of Lord Ganesh and worshipping it. Some devotees bring big idols and celebrate this festival on the lines of Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations which includes daily pooja, prasad preparation and religious/cultural programmes for 10 days.
Ganesh Jayanti also known as Magha Shukla Chaturthi, Varad Chaturthi and Tilkund Chaturthi. This festival is known as TilKund Chaturthi because a special preparation made of sesame seeds (Til) is offered to Ganesha and then same is distributed as prasad to the devotees. Some devotees observe
fast during worship, during the day time followed by breaking the fast in the night as a part of the rituals [2].
After 5/10 days of celebrations, the idol is immersed in near by pond/river/ocean on the fifth/tenth day as per the tradition. Devotees eagerly awaits for arrival of Lord Ganesha again on Ganesh Chaturthi.
Here are some photo of Maghi Ganeshotsav captured by me during my visit along with my family to some mandals of Kalyan West.
Maghi Ganesh Mahal at Sai Chowk, Khadakpada
Maghi Ganesh at Sai Chowk
Maghi Ganesh at Kala Talao, Kalyan West
Maghi Ganesh at Kala Talao, Kalyan West
Maghi Ganesh at Syndicate Road, Kalyan West
References:
1) Siddhivinayak Temple website
2) Wikipedia – Ganesh Jayanti
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