Sri Ganesha Jayanti:
Ganesha Jayanti aka Maghi Ganesha Jayanti marks the birth anniversary of Lord Ganesha. It falls on the fourth day during Shukla Paksha of the Magh Maasam and is said to be highly auspicious, the Angara Yog. As per the Gregorian Calendar Ganesha Jayanti comes up during the months of January/February. States, where it is celebrated in a big way during Magh month, include Maharashtra, Goa, and some parts of Karnataka i.e. the Konkan coastal belt. Other states observe the birth anniversary of Lord Ganesha on the popular Ganesh Chaturthi of Bhadrapada month.
In Uttar Pradesh, people call this festival of Ganesh Jayanti as Tilo Chauth or Sakat Chauth and is observed in the dedication of Lord Ganesha with prayers for the welfare of the sons in the family. Besides Gandhi Jayanti various other names have also been given to this festival such as Magha Shukla Chaturthi, Til Kund Chaturthi, and Madhyahna Vyapini Purvaviddha Chaturthi.
The use of sesame seed, til is an important aspect on Ganesha Jayanti. Bath is taken in water mixed with til seed paste. Fasting is observed during day time and broken only at night by consumption of Prasadam. Devotees believe the fast brings good name, good luck, and prosperity to the individual maintaining the fast.