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 January or February according to Gregorian calender [1]. This year the festival was celebrated on 8 February 2019.
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 Chaturti 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 Til Kund 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.
Post the celebration of this festival, India faced a dastardly terror attack in Pulwama region of Jammu & Kashmir on 14th February 2019. 40 jawans/soldiers of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) were killed when terrorists blew up a CRPF bus. The entire nation was numb beyond belief after this cowardly act of terrorism.
My heart goes out to the families of the brave soldiers we lost. May Lord Ganesha give peace to their souls and strength to their grieving families.
References:
1) Siddhivinayak Temple website
2) Wikipedia – Ganesh Jayanti
Anagha Yatin
Lord Ganesh always looks ebullient. His eyes are very expressive and evocative. Should we call it the excellent craftsmanship of the artists or the divine phenomenon, no one can decipher.
Thanks for sharing these gleeful pictures of Bappa.
At Saidham, Mulund (W), in my neighbourhood, there’s a fair along with the Maghi Ganeshotsav. Till Pournima , the fair and the Ganeshotsv continues with much fan fair and vigour. The road side is dominated by vendors selling toys and there are ferry’s wheels and what not.
Do visit it next year and do drop in at my place with Varsh and kids as well 🙂
Sachin Baikar
Thanks for informing about the Maghi Ganeshotsav at Mulund and inviting at your place 🙂 Anagha. We’ll definitely try next year 👍
Neeraj Kumar
Nice to know that Ganesh Puja is celebrated in the month of Magh also. Nice presentation of the post.
Yes…the whole of nation is shocked after the dastardly act and I join you in your prayers.
Sachin Baikar
Thanks for the appreciation 🙂 Neeraj
rupam { xhobdo }
Ganpati Bappa Morya _()_
Sachin Baikar
Ganpati Bappa Morya 🙏
Jyotirmoy Sarkar
Nice read, beautifully captured.
Sachin Baikar
Thanks Jyotirmoy 🙂
Rupali
We miss such days.