Tilkund Chaturthi — also called Varad Chaturthi, Tilkunda Chaturthi or Ganesh Jayanti in some regions — is an auspicious Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Ganesha, celebrated especially in the Magh month of the lunar calendar.

📅 1. When Is Tilkund Chaturthi in 2026?

• Date: January 22, 2026 (Thursday)
• Tithi: Magh Shukla Paksha Chaturthi (4th lunar day of the waxing moon)

According to traditional lunar panchang calculations, this day’s Chaturthi tithi begins late on january 21 and continues into January 22, making January 22 the day for vrat and puja since that’s when Chandra (moon) rises in most locations.

🙏 2. What Is Tilkund Chaturthi?

Tilkund Chaturthi is a devotional day dedicated to Lord Ganesha — the remover of obstacles and bestower of wisdom and prosperity. It’s particularly popular in Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Gujarat, and parts of North India, where devotees observe fasting, perform special pujas, and offer sesame (til)‑based prasad.

The term often has meanings like:

• Til: Sesame seeds — symbolizing strength and purification
• Kund: A symbolic offering or sacred plate used during worship

In many regions, this day overlaps with regional Ganesh Jayanti celebrations, marking the birth or special commemoration of Lord Ganesha in the Magh month.

🪔 3. Importance & Spiritual Significance

🌟 A Day to Invoked Ganesha’s Blessings

Devotees seek Lord Ganesha’s grace for:

• Removal of obstacles in life
• Success and prosperity in new beginnings
• Wisdom and mental clarity (especially beneficial to students)
• Peace and harmony at home

🍯 Sesame (Til) Symbolism

Sesame is considered highly auspicious in Hindu traditions, especially during winter months. It’s believed to:

• Purify the body and mind
• Assist in spiritual merit when offered or donated
• Strengthen bonds between loved ones when shared as prasad

🛕 Regional Importance

While especially revered in Western India, the observance of Tilkund Chaturthi highlights the pan‑Indian devotion to Ganesha, data-aligning with other ganesh chaturthi observances and regional fasting practices.

🛕 4. Puja Vidhi (Rituals & Worship Instructions)

Here’s a step‑by‑step guide many devotees follow on Tilkund Chaturthi:

🧼 Before Puja

Wake up early, take a holy bath, and wear clean or traditional attire.

Arrange a clean altar with an idol or picture of Lord Ganesha.

🕯️ During Puja

Decorate the idol with flowers, durva grass, and fresh offerings.

Place sesame‑based sweets like Til (sesame) and jaggery concoctions (Tilgud) as naivedyam (offerings).

Light dhoop/incense and diya (lamp) near the deity.

🔔 Chant Mantras / Prayers

Recite Ganesh mantras such as “ॐ गं गणपतये नमः” and other Vedic shlokas.

Meditate or offer bhajans or devotional songs dedicated to Lord Ganesha.

🙌 Breaking the Fast

After moonrise or at auspicious muhurta (e.g., midday on january 22), break the fast with til‑based prasad and share it with family and guests.

🍲 5. Prasad & Traditional Foods

The most popular offerings and prasad for Tilkund Chaturthi include:

• Tilgud / Til laddoos (sesame mixed with jaggery or sugar)
• Sesame and jaggery sweets
• Other vegetarian dishes fitting the vrat (fast) tradition

Sharing this prasad with loved ones is believed to spread blessings, joy, and positive health.

📌 6. Fasting & Observance Customs

• Many devotees observe a nirjala or phalahar fast (fruit only) until the puja is complete.
• Some take til (sesame)‑based baths or apply til paste as a symbolic act of purification.
• Charity of sesame seeds to the poor or Brahmins is considered especially auspicious.

🌙 7. Why It’s Celebrated in Magh Month

The festival’s placement in Magh — a holy month in the Hindu calendar — further enhances its spiritual value. Magh is associated with:

• Renewal and growth after winter solstice
• Increased emphasis on devotional and purification rites
• Alignment with other sacred observances and pilgrimages

The connection between Chaturthi tithi, moonrise, and devotional rites makes it a spiritually potent day for inner peace and divine blessings.

🌻 In Short

Tilkund Chaturthi 2026 — on January 22 — is a joyous, spiritually meaningful festival honoring Lord Ganesha through fasting, worship, and sesame offerings. It blends devotion, tradition, and seasonal symbolism, encouraging devotees to seek blessings for wisdom, prosperity, and obstacle‑free life.

 

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