Janam Dhin 

- Pt. Pawan Ji Pandita

Janam Dhin, Birthday, is celebrated in a unique way in Hinduism. In Hindu religion, the Hindi Tithi and Nakshatra is chosen to celebrate the birthday. The annual birthday celebration is not on a fixed date as in the English Calendar. Hindus give importance to the Tithi and 27 Nakshatras. Feeding the poor is an important part of Hindu birthday celebrations. 

On birthday puja we will need the help of a learned Pandit who can perform puja of Ganesh ji and other deities, main puja is of 1) Ashwathama 2) Bali 3)  Vayas 4) Hunuman 5) Kripachari 6) Purshuram 7) Markandi, because as per our religion these seven deity are 'chiranjeevi (Amar)' .We considered this puja of highly auspicious as we get blessings 'Asharwad' for our long life and prosperity. Other important pujas performed on birthday include pujas to Shiva, Rudra Abhishek, Navgraha Puja and pujas to 'Ishta Devta' or personal deity. Blessings of parents, especially that of Mother is very important on birthday.

Now, if the person believes in astrology, then depending on the position of the grahas etc there will be other pujas that will be needed to be performed on the birthday. For this the person will need the help of a learned astrologer.

Even those Hindus who celebrate birthday by cutting cake, visit temples first and perform puja of birthday in the morning at there home for long life and prosperity. So a person should be given the freedom in the evening to celebrate his/her birthday the manner which he/she wants.