This year, Saturday, February 1, falls on the midday and evening of Magha Shukla Chaturthi, which is also the day of Sri Ganesh Jayanti, Vinayak Chaturthi, Tilkund Chaturthi, and Varad Chaturthi. Tuesday is considered the day of Ganesh worship. Since Sri Ganesh Jayanti falls on a Tuesday this year, the “Angaraka Yoga” has also occurred.

Sri Ganesh is the lord of 14 types of knowledge and 64 arts. He is the leader of the Ganas (attendants). If we become proficient in one skill or art, our life will be prosperous and joyful. Leadership qualities should also be present in us. Ganapati was devoted to his mother and father. If we cultivate these qualities in ourselves, it will be the true worship of Ganesh.

There are three incarnations of Ganapati, and we celebrate three different birth anniversaries of these forms. The first incarnation, “Pushtipati Vinayak Jayanti,” is celebrated on the full moon day of Vaishakha. The second incarnation is celebrated on the Shukla Chaturthi of Bhadrapada as “Sri Ganesh Chaturthi,” with the physical worship of Ganesh. The third incarnation is celebrated on the Shukla Chaturthi of Magha as “Ganesh Jayanti.”

For the worship of Ganesh on this day, the idol can be made of clay or metal. Just as clay Ganesh idols are worshipped during Ganesh Chaturthi in Bhadrapada, the tradition of Ganesh Jayanti worship at home is not commonly observed. There is no fixed rule in sacred texts about how many days the Ganesh idol should be worshipped before immersion. In some places, public Ganesh festivals are celebrated, while some families observe vows by tradition on Ganesh Jayanti.

On Ganesh Jayanti, it is suggested that you observe a fast, worship Lord Dhundiraj (another name for Ganesh), and offer modaks made of til (sesame) and jaggery. The practice is to fast throughout the day and break the fast after sunset when stars begin to appear in the sky. This day is mainly associated with the Vinayaki Chaturthi, commemorating the incarnation of Ganesh in Kashyapa’s family to defeat the demon Narantak.

This Chaturthi is also called Tilkund Chaturthi. After performing the sixteen-step Ganesh puja, people offer laddus made of jaggery and sesame. After worshipping Ganesh and Sadashiva with flowers, they keep vigil at night, which is why it is also known as “Tilkund Chaturthi.” It is believed that bathing, giving charity, chanting, and performing rituals on this day bring Ganesh’s blessings.

Dhundi Vinayak

There is a story in the Skanda Purana about how Ganesh got the name “Dhundiraj.” There was a king named Divodas who ruled in Kashi. All the gods left Kashi during his reign, but Lord Shiva could not bear the separation. To expel Divodas from the city, Lord Shiva sent Ganesh with his Ganas to Kashi. Ganesh entered Kashi disguised as an astrologer and became famous for his knowledge. He also gained entry to the palace of King Divodas and predicted his future. As a result, Divodas was expelled from Kashi. Lord Shiva arrived in Kashi, bringing all the gods back. Pleased with Ganesh’s actions, Lord Shiva gave him the title “Dhundiraj,” since then, Ganesh has been famous as Dhundivinayak in Kashi. There is a renowned temple of Dhundivinayak in Kashi.

In Modern Times

The worship with sixteen rituals—avahan (invocation), asana (seating), padya (washing feet), arghya (offering water), achamana (drinking water), snana (bathing), vastra (clothing), yajnopavita (sacred thread), gandha (fragrance), pushpa(flowers), dhoop (incense), deep (lamp), naivedya (food offering), mantrapushpa (mantra flower), pradakshina (circumambulation), and namaskar (salutation)—is known as Shodashopachara Puja.

Why do we worship any deity? We worship the deity to acquire their qualities in ourselves, considering them as ideal. Ganapati is the lord of knowledge and arts. If we also become proficient in knowledge and skills, we can make our lives happy and prosperous. Worship of Ganapati is worship of knowledge and skills! Tap (penance) means effort! Bhakti (devotion) means focus and concentration during the practice. Ganapati is the giver of happiness and remover of sorrow. We should also help the poor and needy by reducing their suffering and bringing joy into their lives. Ganapati was a leader of the Ganas and a warrior. He was clever. We should keep him as our ideal and strive to be like him. Keeping the mind pure helps in performing pure actions. Ganesh Puja is done for this reason.

Ganesh destroyed demons like Devaantak and Narantak. By cultivating Ganesh’s qualities in ourselves, we should work toward eradicating impurities, immorality, laziness, superstition, and diseases in ourselves and society.

Ganesh was devoted to his mother. The Indian family system is one of the finest in the world, and Indian culture is exemplary. Many Indians have settled in various countries and continue celebrating their festivals there. Ganeshotsav has become a globally famous festival.

Sri Ganesh and Sindoor

There is a story in the Puranas about why Ganesh’s idol is often seen in red (sindoor). Once upon a time, a demon king named Narantak ruled over Sindurpur. He was evil, and his people suffered greatly under his rule. Seeing this, Ganesh decided to wage war on Sindurpur. A fierce battle took place between Narantak and Ganesh. Ganesh used his bow and sharp arrows to defeat Narantak, who fell to the ground, and his army fled. Ganesh was victorious, and everyone praised him. His Ganas applied sindoor (red powder) on his body to celebrate the victory. Many ornaments were also placed on him, and the moon was on his forehead. Ganesh was honoured by the gods, and Parvati praised him.

All the gods acknowledged him, and on the Shukla Chaturthi of Bhadrapada, they placed him on a throne. The sages offered him twenty-one modaks, the gods gave him twenty-one bunches of durva grass, and Kubera placed a crown adorned with jewels on his head. Since then, every year on the Shukla Chaturthi of Bhadrapada, Ganesh idols are brought home, and his worship is performed.

Balancing Life’s Joys and Challenges Through Faith and Mindfulness

In the hustle of daily life, finding balance can often seem like an unattainable goal. However, Indian philosophy emphasizes the power of faith and mindfulness to navigate life’s ups and downs. Practices like yoga, meditation, and prayer ground us, helping to cultivate an inner peace that allows us to face challenges with resilience.

Festivals like Diwali remind us of the triumph of light over darkness, encouraging self-reflection. Navratri, too, teaches the value of overcoming inner obstacles through devotion and self-discipline. By embracing these traditions, we can create a mindful approach to our joys and struggles, fostering balance in our daily lives.