When is Ganesh Chaturthi (गणेश चतुर्थी) in 2026?

Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 starts on September 14, marking the beginning of the 10-day grand Ganeshotsav festival in Maharashtra.

Does this calendar include Maharashtra state holidays?

Yes, we track all official public holidays in Maharashtra, including Maharashtra Day, Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti, Gudi Padwa, and Ambedkar Jayanti.

How do I know which exact day to perform a specific Puja?

Our calendar maps major festivals to the primary civil day of observance. For exact fractional Tithi bounds, please visit our Daily Panchang page.

What is the exact date of Champa Shashthi 2026 in Maharashtra?

Champa Shashthi will be celebrated on Tuesday, December 15, 2026 across Maharashtra. The Shukla Shashthi Tithi begins on December 14, 2026 at 10:18 PM and concludes on December 15, 2026 at 08:52 PM, with the entire day observed with enthusiastic rituals and temple festivities.

What is the true meaning of the victory chant 'येळकोट येळकोट जय मल्हार'?

'Yelkot' (येळकोट) is derived from ancient Kannada roots 'Elu' (seven) and 'Koti' (crores), celebrating Lord Khandoba as the supreme commander of a seven-crore celestial warrior army that decimated demonic forces. 'Jai Malhar' proclaims eternal victory to Lord Shiva who slew the demon Malla.

Why are Bajricha Rodga and Vangyache Bharit offered on Champa Shashthi?

Lord Khandoba is the pastoral protector of farmers, shepherds, and ordinary working folk. The freshly harvested winter produce of Margashirsha — pearl millet (bajra), plump winter eggplants (vangi), fresh spring garlic, and spring onions — is naturally wholesome, heating for the winter cold, and offered in humble agrarian gratitude.

How is the sacred Tali Bharne ritual performed at home?

In a clean bronze or brass thali, arrange five betel leaves (paan), five supari nuts, turmeric powder, and dried coconut pieces (Khobare). Light camphor or a ghee lamp in the center. All family members touch the plate with their right hand, raise it three or five times toward the Khandoba idol or photo, and passionately chant 'Yelkot Yelkot Jai Malhar' three times before bowing.

Champa Shashthi 2026 | चंपाषष्ठी (खंडोबा उत्सव) २०२६

Champa Shashthi 2026 Jejuri Gad Lord Khandoba turmeric Bhandara festival Maharashtra

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About Champa Shashthi(उत्सव माहिती)

Champa Shashthi (चंपाषष्ठी) is one of the most culturally vibrant, spirited, and deeply revered folk and Shaivite festivals celebrated across Maharashtra. Celebrated on the sixth day (Shukla Shashthi) of the holy month of Margashirsha, Champa Shashthi honors Lord Khandoba — a fiery yet compassionate warrior manifestation of Lord Shiva, venerated as Malhari Martand (म्हाळसाकांत मल्हारी मार्तंड). Lord Khandoba is the paramount Kuldaivat (family tutelary deity) for millions of Maharashtrian families, encompassing Dhangar, Maratha, Agri, Koli, Kunbi, and Brahmin communities alike.

The festival marks the grand climax of the six-day Khandoba Navaratri (चंपाषष्ठी षडरात्रोत्सव) fast that begins on Margashirsha Pratipada. On this culminating day, historic shrines across the Deccan plateau, most famously the hilltop fort temple of Jejuri Gad near Pune, transform into seas of brilliant golden turmeric. Pilgrims enthusiastically fling handfuls of pure turmeric powder mixed with dry coconut shavings into the azure sky, yelling the thunderous victory battle-cry: *'येळकोट येळकोट जय मल्हार, सदानंदाचा येळकोट!'* (Yelkot Yelkot Jai Malhar, Sadanandacha Yelkot!).

In every Maharashtrian household holding Khandoba as their Kuldaivat, Champa Shashthi is celebrated with the sacred Tali Bharne (तळी भरणे) ritual. Family members gather around a large brass plate containing five betel leaves, supari, turmeric powder, and dry coconut halves. The plate is lifted high by family members and moved in a circular motion five times before the deity, invoking divine protection. A rustic winter feast consisting of hot Bajricha Rodga (fire-roasted pearl millet bread) and smoky Vangyache Bharit (mashed roasted eggplant seasoned with green chilies, garlic, and fresh groundnut oil) is offered as Naivedya and shared with immense joy.

History: According to the ancient *Mallari Mahatmya* found in the Brahmanda Purana, two arrogant demon brothers, Mani and Malla, performed severe austerities and gained boons from Lord Brahma, using their invulnerability to torment the sages, destroy dharma, and desecrate holy hermitages on Earth. Unable to bear the distress of the sages and devas, Lord Shiva manifested in the fierce form of Malhari Martand, descending upon the earth mounted on a white celestial horse with his consort Parvati as Mhalsa.

A colossal six-day battle ensued along the banks of the Karha river near the hills of Jejuri. On Margashirsha Shukla Shashthi, Lord Shiva decisively crushed the demon Mani (who repented at death and asked to remain at the Lord's feet) and vanquished Malla, restoring eternal cosmic harmony and liberating humankind. To celebrate this triumph of righteousness over tyranny, devas showered golden turmeric powder over the battlefield, giving birth to the golden Bhandara tradition that has continued unbroken through the centuries.

During the Maratha Empire, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the royal Bhosale dynasty maintained immense reverence for Jejuri's Malhari Martand, frequently seeking blessings and performing Tali Bharne before launching military campaigns. The Peshwas later constructed massive stone bastions, sweeping staircases, and soaring Deepamala towers that adorn Jejuri Gad today.

Significance: Champa Shashthi is of monumental significance in Maharashtra's socio-cultural fabric. It unites agrarian and pastoralist traditions, celebrating the warrior spirit and agrarian self-reliance of the Deccan. Turmeric (Bhandara) is celebrated not only as a divine offering but as nature's greatest healing and antiseptic herb. The festival honors nature's fresh winter harvest of purple eggplants, winter garlic, spring onions, and rustic pearl millet, infusing devotion with wholesome nutritional wisdom.

Rituals & How to Celebrate

Tali Bharne Vidhi (तळी भरणे): Placing five betel leaves, supari, turmeric, and dry coconut in a large brass or copper platter, lifting it high with family members, and waving it five times around the Khandoba idol while chanting 'Yelkot Yelkot Jai Malhar'.

Bhandara Utsav (भंडारा उधळण): Devotees fling fragrant golden turmeric powder over the temple shrine, flagstaff, and fellow devotees, symbolizing auspiciousness and spiritual awakening.

Offering Champa Flowers: Offering the fragrant white and golden blooms of the Champa (Champak) tree, which are beloved by Lord Malhari and blossom prominently in Margashirsha.

Deepamala Deepotsav: Lighting thousands of oil lamps atop the grand stone Deepamala pillars at Jejuri Gad, Naldurg, Mailar, and local Khandoba shrines after sunset.

Langad Ghadne (लंगर तोडणे): A traditional warrior test of strength performed at Jejuri where devotees snap iron chains through athletic spiritual fervor.

Naivedya Samarpan: Preparing and serving the signature holy meal of Bajricha Rodga and Vangyache Bharit with raw onions and garlic to the deity and visiting guests.

Traditional Foods & Bhog

Bajricha Rodga (बाजरीचा जाडसर रोडगा - Thick, rustic pearl millet flatbread slow-baked over burning cow dung cakes or coal until deeply charred and crisp on the outside)

Vangyache Bharit (वांग्याचं भरीत - Large purple eggplants roasted on open wood flame, mashed smooth, and infused with green chilies, crushed garlic, spring onions, and cold-pressed groundnut oil)

Pithla & Bhakri (झणझणीत पिठलं - Hearty gram flour curry tempered with mustard, cumin, and garlic, savored alongside hot millet flatbread)

Khobare & Bhandara Prasad (खोबरे-भंडारा प्रसाद - Thin shavings of dried coconut copra coated in sweet organic turmeric and crystal sugar)

Kanda-Lasun Thecha (खर्डा / मिरचीचा ठेचा - Fiery mortar-and-pestle crushed green chili, garlic, and roasted peanut paste)