Ganesh Jayanti also known as Maghi Ganpati is an auspicious day dedicated to Lord Ganesha in the Hindu calendar month of Magh which falls in Gregorian calendar month of January and February.
It is basically a Vinayak Chaturthi falling in the month of Magh and is known by other names like Magha Shukla Chaturthi, Varad Chaturthi and Tilkund Chaturthi.
The day is observed on the fourth day (Chaturthi) during the waxing phase of moon (Shukla Paksha) in Magh month.
In 2018, Maghi Ganesh Jayanti or Maghi Ganpati will be celebrated on Sunday, 21st January 2018.
The day is believed to be the birthday of Lord Ganesh in Maharashtra, parts of Karnataka and Goa.
It is believed that on this day the Shree Ganesh frequencies reached earth for the first time, i.e., his birth took place.
Significance of this tithi is that Shri Ganesh Principle is a 1000 times more active on this day when compared with other days.
Maghi Ganpati Puja Process :
On this day devotees worship Lord Ganesha. An image of Ganesha is made from Turmeric powder or Sindhoor powder and it is worshipped. The idol is offered special naivedya. Food prepared from Til (sesame) is consumed on the day. Hence this day is also known as Til Kund Chaturthi.
Maghi Ganpati is a grand celebration is all Ganesh temples in Maharashtra.
Palkhi Yatra is celebrated on Ganesh Jayanti in Morgaon Ganesha Temple (Mayureshwar Mandir) in Pune.
Apart from this, the famous Mahaganpati temple at Titwala organizes a five-day festival during this period to celebrate the birthday of the lord.
Ganesha Jayanti 2018 Puja Time :
Ganesha Jayanti Puja Muhurat = 11:43 to 13:56 hrs IST
Time to Avoid Moon Sighting = 14:10 to 21:13 hrs IST (on 20 January 2018) and 10:01 to 22:04 hrs IST (on 21 January 2018)