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 date and Parana timing for Gita Jayanti / Mokshada Ekadashi 2026?

Gita Jayanti and Mokshada Ekadashi will be celebrated on Sunday, December 20, 2026. The Shukla Ekadashi Tithi commences on December 19, 2026 at 02:40 PM and ends on December 20, 2026 at 01:10 PM. The Parana timing to break the fast on Monday, December 21, 2026 is between 06:55 AM and 09:20 AM.

Why is Gita Jayanti unique compared to other Hindu festivals?

Gita Jayanti is the only religious festival in Sanatan Dharma dedicated to the birth of a sacred scripture (a book of wisdom) rather than an incarnation, saint, or historical hero. It celebrates philosophical inquiry, reasoned dialogue, and the practical application of spiritual truths in daily human struggle.

What is the special connection between Gita Jayanti and Maharashtra's Dnyaneshwari?

The Dnyaneshwari, written by Sant Dnyaneshwar in 1290 CE, is regarded as the mother scripture of Maharashtra's Bhakti movement. Sant Dnyaneshwar explained the complex Sanskrit Gita in sweet Marathi poetry brimming with everyday rustic metaphors. For Maharashtrians, Gita Jayanti is incomplete without reading or listening to Dnyaneshwari Ovis.

What are the spiritual benefits of fasting on Mokshada Ekadashi?

As the name 'Mokshada' signifies ('the giver of liberation'), scriptures state that observing this Ekadashi frees the sincere seeker and their departed ancestors from deep-seated karmic burdens, granting mental peace, spiritual clarity, and eventual liberation from the cycle of rebirth.

Gita Jayanti 2026 | गीता जयंती (मोक्षदा एकादशी) २०२६

Gita Jayanti 2026 Lord Krishna Arjuna Kurukshetra chariot Bhagavad Gita Dnyaneshwari Maharashtra

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About Gita Jayanti(उत्सव माहिती)

Gita Jayanti (गीता जयंती), celebrated concurrently with the spiritually exalted Mokshada Ekadashi (मोक्षदा एकादशी), marks the supreme anniversary of the day Lord Sri Krishna revealed the immortal 700 verses of the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita to the grief-stricken warrior prince Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. Occurring on the bright eleventh day (Shukla Ekadashi) of the holy month of Margashirsha, Gita Jayanti holds the unique distinction of being the only major Hindu celebration dedicated to the 'birth' of a sacred philosophical scripture rather than an avatar or saint.

In Maharashtra, Gita Jayanti holds extraordinary devotional resonance through the prism of the Dnyaneshwari (ज्ञानेश्वरी / भावार्थ दीपिका) — the immortal 13th-century Marathi poetic commentary penned by the boy-saint Sant Dnyaneshwar at Nevasa. Sant Dnyaneshwar transformed the profound Sanskrit philosophy of the Gita into melodic Marathi Ovi meter, making the sublime teachings of selfless duty (Karma Yoga), devotional surrender (Bhakti Yoga), and spiritual knowledge (Jnana Yoga) accessible to the common farmer, artisan, and householder. On Gita Jayanti, temples, ashrams, and Warkari study circles throughout Maharashtra organize non-stop recitations of all 18 chapters of the Gita and Dnyaneshwari.

As Mokshada Ekadashi, the day is also observed with a complete satvik fast. Devotees offer fragrant Tulsi leaves and yellow flowers to Lord Krishna and Lord Vishnu, distributing copies of the Gita to students and spiritual aspirants. It is believed that listening to, reciting, or meditating upon even a few shlokas of the Gita on this holy day dissolves the knots of existential sorrow, dispels ignorance, and guides the soul toward liberation (Moksha).

History: According to the Mahabharata, as the monumental armies of the Pandavas and Kauravas stood arrayed for war on the plains of Kurukshetra, Arjuna was overcome by deep despair, existential confusion, and reluctance to fight his revered teachers, grandsires, and cousins. Laying down his celestial Gandiva bow, Arjuna surrendered to Lord Krishna as his disciple. There, between the two poised armies, Lord Krishna delivered the immortal discourse of the Bhagavad Gita on Margashirsha Shukla Ekadashi, unveiling his awe-inspiring Universal Cosmic Form (Vishwarupa) and elucidating the eternal truths of the soul, duty, action without attachment, and liberation.

In Maharashtra's cultural tapestry, the Gita assumed its most beloved regional voice in 1290 CE when Sant Dnyaneshwar, at the tender age of 15, composed the 9,000 verses of the *Dnyaneshwari* at the Mohiniraj temple in Nevasa under the guidance of his guru Sant Nivruttinath. This masterwork democratized Vedic philosophy, igniting the renaissance of the Warkari Sampradaya that continues to guide the moral and spiritual backbone of Maharashtra today.

Significance: Gita Jayanti is an intellectual, moral, and spiritual sanctuary for modern humanity. Unlike ritual-heavy festivals, Gita Jayanti centers upon practical philosophy: conquering internal despair, overcoming doubt, standing fearlessly for righteousness, and performing one's daily duties with selfless dedication (*Karmanye Vadhikaraste Ma Phaleshu Kadachana*). In conjunction with Mokshada Ekadashi, it purifies internal consciousness, aligns life with higher purpose, and fosters mental equilibrium amidst life's challenges.

Rituals & How to Celebrate

Sampurna Gita Parayan (संपूर्ण गीता पारायण): Reciting all 700 verses across 18 chapters of the Bhagavad Gita or reading selected chapters of Sant Dnyaneshwar's Dnyaneshwari in homes and temples.

Mokshada Ekadashi Fast: Observing a pure vegetarian, grain-free fast (Phalahar) to cleanse bodily senses and elevate contemplative focus.

Sri Krishna & Vishnu Archana: Bathing the idol of Lord Krishna with Panchamrit, offering fragrant yellow pitambar cloth, fresh Tulsi leaves, and chandan, followed by the singing of Achyutashtakam and Krishna Aarti.

Gita Dan (गीता ग्रंथ दान): Gifting pocket or illustrated editions of the Bhagavad Gita and Dnyaneshwari to youth, schools, libraries, and hospital staff to promote ethical living.

Vishwarupa Darshan Meditation: Contemplating Chapter 11 (Vishwarupa Sandarshana Yoga), reflecting upon the cosmic unity of all living beings within the divine creator.

Evening Satsang & Discourse: Attending lectures by learned scholars and Warkari Kirtankars exploring the practical applications of Gita teachings in modern everyday life.

Traditional Foods & Bhog

Rajgira Sheera & Puri (राजगिऱ्याचा शिरा - Aromatic amaranth flour halwa cooked with pure ghee, crushed green cardamom, and golden jaggery)

Makhana Dry Fruit Kheer (मखान्याची खीर - Puffed lotus seeds simmered in reduced creamy milk with saffron threads, pistachios, and almonds)

Bhagar & Peanut Amti (उपवासाची भगर - Fluffy barnyard millet paired with a mild, cumin-tempered roasted peanut gravy)

Panchamrit & Tulsi Tirtha (पंचामृत व तुळशीतीर्थ - Sacred offering made of milk, yogurt, honey, sugar, and ghee blessed with holy basil leaves)

Seasonal Fresh Fruits (फळांचा नैवेद्य - Fresh pomegranates, sweet mosambi, and tender coconut water offered as Satvik Naivedya)