Varad Chaturti or Varad Til Chaturthi is an auspicious day dedicated to Lord Ganesha which is observed on the fourth day of the Shukla Paksha of Magh month (January – February) as per traditional Hindu calendar.

‘Til’ is Sesame seed and ‘Kunda’ is Jasmine flower. Kunda flower and food prepared from Til is offered to Lord Ganesh on Til Kunda Chaturthi day. The festival is very much popular in Maharashtra. The day is also observed as Ganesha Jayanti and Til Kunda Chaturthi. Some people observe a fast on this day. In 2011, the date of Varad Chaturthi is February 6.

RITUALS PERFORMED

Ganesha devotees take a holy dip on this day and apply Til paste (Sesame seed paste). After the bath, special pujas and prayers are offered to Lord Ganesha. Fasting during daytime is also undertaken by some devotees.

In some regions, instead of Jasmine flower, Modak (laddoo), a sweet made from Til is referred as Kunda.