Ganesh Jayanti 2026: What is the difference between Ganesh Chaturthi and Ganesh Jayanti? Know important rules before worship

New Delhi: In Hindu religion, Lord Ganesha has the status of the first worshipper. The beginning of any auspicious work is considered incomplete without Ganpati Vandana. Many festivals related to Lord Ganesha are celebrated throughout the year, but Ganesh Chaturthi and Ganesh Jayanti are considered the most popular and important. Devotees often remain confused about these two dates.

According to the calendar, Ganesh Jayanti will be celebrated on 22 January in the year 2026. In such a situation, it is important to know what is the basic difference between Ganesh Chaturthi and Ganesh Jayanti and what rules should be followed while worshiping on these occasions.

What is the difference between Ganesh Chaturthi and Ganesh Jayanti?

Although both the festivals are dedicated to Lord Ganesha, their religious beliefs and objectives are different.

Ganesh Chaturthi (Bhadrapada month)

The festival of Ganesh Chaturthi falls in the month of Bhadrapada, which usually falls in August or September. According to religious beliefs, on this day Lord Ganesha comes to earth from Kailash among his devotees. It is considered to be the festival of arrival of Lord Ganesha, which is celebrated with pomp and show for 10 days at many places.

Ganesh Jayanti (Magh month)

Ganesh Jayanti is also called Magh Vinayak Chaturthi. It is celebrated on the Chaturthi date of Shukla Paksha of Magh month. It is believed that Lord Ganesha was born on this day, hence it is worshiped as his birth anniversary.

Important rules of worship on Ganesh Jayanti

The worship method of Ganesh Jayanti is simple but with rules.

• auspicious puja time

Afternoon time is considered the most auspicious time for worshiping Lord Ganesha.

• puja material

Use incense, lamp, scent, red flowers and red clothes in worship. Offer modak to Lord Ganesha and also offer Durva grass, because it is very dear to him.

• chanting mantra

With reverence during worship
         "Om Gan Ganpate Namah"
Or chant other Ganesh mantras.

• Kalash installation

Kalash is established in many homes on this day, which is considered a symbol of purity and Mars.

Why is moon sighting prohibited on Ganesh Jayanti?

According to religious beliefs, seeing the moon on the day of Ganesh Jayanti is considered inauspicious. It is said that seeing the moon on this day can bring false stigma or blame on a person. If you happen to see the moon by mistake, you should immediately worship Lord Ganesha and seek his forgiveness.

tradition of immersion and fasting

While on Ganesh Chaturthi of Bhadrapada month, the idol of Lord Ganesha is installed for 10 days and immersed on Anant Chaturdashi, many devotees observe a fast for one day on Ganesh Jayanti. The fast is broken after the evening puja. In some areas, the tradition of idol installation and immersion is followed on this day also.