Worshipping the Lord of beginnings on Til kund chaturthi

Ganesh Jayanti, also know as the Magha shukla chaturthi, Til kund chaturthi, or the Varad chaturthi is a popular festival particularly in the Indian state of Maharashtra and parts of Goa, where it is celebrated during the shukla paksha chaturthi day (fourth day of the bright fortnight or the waxing moon). Ganesh Jayanthi falls around the Hindu calender of Maagha, which corresponds to the Gregorian calendar in the months of January/February.

The significance of this festival is said to be the observation of the day that Lord Nandi narrated the story of Lord Krishna being charged with accusations of stealing to the Sanatkumara sages. Legend has it that Lord Krishna once saw the moon on Magha Shukla Chaturthi, which is forbidden in the Hindu tradition, as it bring bad luck to the person, and in this tale Nandi narrates as to how Lord Krishna himself could not escape fate.

This day is celebrated across Maharashtra and other parts of the country by preparing a conical symbol that resembles Lord Ganesha. This conical symbol is made using turmeric or the dung of the Desi cow, both of which are considered sacred. The idol is later immersed in water on the fourth day of the puja. An offering to the god on the day of the festival is made using a special preparation made of til (sesame seeds), which is later distributed among the devotees.

Worshipping the Lord of beginnings on Til kund chaturthi