Annapurna Jayanti is celebrated on the Purnima Tithi of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Margashirsha. According to religious beliefs, it was on this day that Goddess Parvati took the form of Maa Annapurna. Maa Annapurna is considered the Goddess of food, nourishment and prosperity. Annapurna Jayanti 2026 will be celebrated on Wednesday, December 23.
On this day, devotees traditionally worship Maa Annapurna and Lord Shiva, observe a Vrat and donate food to people in need. According to religious beliefs, the blessings of Maa Annapurna ensure that a household does not face a shortage of food or wealth and that happiness and prosperity remain in the family.
When Is Annapurna Jayanti 2026?
Annapurna Jayanti 2026 will be celebrated on Wednesday, December 23. This festival is observed on the Shukla Paksha Purnima of the Margashirsha month. In 2026, the Purnima Tithi will begin at 10:49 AM on December 23 and continue until 7:00 AM on December 24.
• Annapurna Jayanti 2026: December 23, 2026, Wednesday
• Purnima Tithi Begins: December 23, 2026, at 10:49 AM
• Purnima Tithi Ends: December 24, 2026, at 7:00 AM
Panchang calculations may vary slightly depending on the location.
Therefore, it is advisable to check the local Muhurat for Puja according to the Panchang of your city.
To learn more about the dates, Puja Vidhi, Vrat and religious significance of all Purnima Tithis in detail: -Read our Purnima article.
Religious Significance of Annapurna Jayanti
Maa Annapurna is considered the Goddess of food and nourishment. In Hindu religious tradition, food is regarded as the foundation of life and a manifestation of the divine. Therefore, respecting, worshipping and donating food on Annapurna Jayanti is considered particularly significant.
On this day, devotees worship Maa Annapurna and pray for food, happiness, prosperity and contentment in their families. Feeding people in need and donating food are also among the important religious traditions associated with this festival.
Story of Annapurna Jayanti
According to a religious legend, there was once a severe shortage of food on Earth. Due to the scarcity of food, human beings and other living creatures began suffering from hunger. Lord Shiva then asked Goddess Parvati to find a solution to this crisis.
Goddess Parvati took the form of Maa Annapurna and began distributing food. Lord Shiva also took the form of a mendicant, received food from Maa Annapurna and understood its importance.
The form of Maa Annapurna conveys the message that food is not merely something we eat, but an essential foundation of life. According to this religious belief, the Shukla Paksha Purnima of Margashirsha is celebrated as Annapurna Jayanti.
Annapurna Jayanti Puja Vidhi
On Annapurna Jayanti, first clean the house thoroughly, especially the kitchen. After this, set up a Chouki at the Puja place and cover it with a red or yellow cloth. Place an idol or picture of Maa Annapurna on the Chouki.
Next, place Akshat near the Chouki and set up a Kalash over it. The Kalash may contain water, Gangajal, Akshat, flowers, Supari, a coin and other Puja Samagri. Fill the Kalash with water, place mango leaves over it and cover it with a small bowl or Sakora. Place Akshat in the Sakora and keep a Ghee lamp over it.
After this, offer fruits, flowers, incense, a lamp, Agarbatti and Naivedya to Maa Annapurna and perform the Puja according to the traditional rituals. After the Puja, distribute Prasad and donate food or grains to poor and needy people.
Do You Have Any Questions About Annapurna Jayanti Puja Vidhi, Vrat or Religious Rituals?
How to Observe a Vrat on Annapurna Jayanti?
Some devotees observe a Vrat on Annapurna Jayanti. During the Vrat, devotees may have fruits or Sattvic food according to their family traditions. Worshipping Maa Annapurna, meditation and prayer are also traditionally performed on this day.
The Vrat Vidhi may differ according to different families and local traditions. Therefore, it is advisable to observe the Vrat according to your family tradition or the guidance of a qualified Acharya.
Significance of Annadaan on Annapurna Jayanti
Maa Annapurna is considered the Goddess of food, so Annadaan is considered especially significant on this day. Feeding a person in need, donating grains or providing food to someone who is hungry according to one’s capacity is considered a meritorious act.
Along with Annadaan, special importance is also given to avoiding food wastage and respecting food on this day.
What Should You Do on Annapurna Jayanti?
• Worship Maa Annapurna and Lord Shiva.
• Keep the house and kitchen clean.
• Offer fruits, flowers and Naivedya to Maa Annapurna.
• Observe a Vrat according to your faith and family tradition.
• Donate food or grains to people in need.
• Avoid wasting food.
• Pray for the happiness and prosperity of the family and the blessings of Maa Annapurna.
Benefits of Worshipping on Annapurna Jayanti
According to religious beliefs, worshipping Maa Annapurna with devotion and performing Annadaan on Annapurna Jayanti helps maintain food, happiness and prosperity in the household. Devotees pray to the Goddess for family well-being, financial stability and contentment in life.
These benefits should be understood in the context of religious faith and traditions.
Significance and Message of Annapurna Jayanti
Annapurna Jayanti is not only a festival dedicated to the worship of the Goddess but also conveys the message of respecting food and serving those in need. Respecting food, avoiding food wastage and helping people in need according to one’s capacity are closely connected with the core spirit of this festival.
Annapurna Jayanti is an important religious festival associated with food, nourishment, service and prosperity. Along with worshipping Maa Annapurna, devotees follow the tradition of respecting food and feeding people in need on this day.
In 2026, Annapurna Jayanti will be celebrated on Wednesday, December 23. The Margashirsha Shukla Purnima Tithi will begin on the morning of December 23 and continue until the morning of December 24.
