Birth anniversaryIndian · Hindu
Annapurna Jayanti
Next date
Thursday, 24 December 2026
In short
Annapurna Jayanti is a Jayanti observed according to the Hindu calendar. Its date and customary practices can vary by region and local Panchang.
The story
Annapurna Jayanti honours Goddess Annapurna, the nourishing form of Parvati whose name means ‘full of food’ or ‘giver of nourishment.’ A famous Shaiva story tells that Shiva once described the material world as illusion; Parvati responded by withdrawing food and nourishment, revealing that embodied life cannot continue when matter is dismissed as meaningless. When hunger spread, she appeared in Kashi as Annapurna and served food, and Shiva himself approached her with a begging bowl. The story turns feeding into a sacred act and teaches that spiritual life is not separate from caring for the body's basic needs. On Margashirsha Purnima devotees worship Annapurna, offer prepared food and grains, and practise anna-dana. Kitchens and meals become places of gratitude, reminding families not to waste food and to share abundance with others.
Why it matters
Annapurna Jayanti is valued for devotion, family tradition and the spiritual or seasonal meaning attached to the day.
What people do
The stove is cleaned and marked, and new grain is put on it. Food is given away before any is eaten in the house.
This text has not been checked by a reviewer yet.
Tithi Calendar on your phone
The panchang for your own city, with the choghadiya, festivals and reminders. It works without the internet.