Panchang All Festivals
Datta Jayanti - a festival of Dattatreya
Festival · December

Datta Jayanti

The birth of Dattatreya, the threefold divine guru.

Deity
Dattatreya
When
December

Significance

Datta Jayanti, on Margashirsha Purnima, celebrates the birth of Dattatreya, revered as the combined incarnation of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. He is honoured as the supreme guru and a guide on the path of yoga and detachment. The festival is especially important in Maharashtra and Karnataka.

How it is celebrated

Devotees fast, read the Guru Charitra and Avadhuta Gita, and gather at Datta temples for worship and kirtan. Special rites and processions are held at Datta pilgrimage centres.

Frequently asked questions

What is Datta Jayanti?

Datta Jayanti, on Margashirsha Purnima, celebrates the birth of Dattatreya, revered as the combined incarnation of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. He is honoured as the supreme guru and a guide on the path of yoga and detachment. The festival is especially important in Maharashtra and Karnataka.

When is Datta Jayanti?

Datta Jayanti falls in December each year.

How is Datta Jayanti celebrated?

Devotees fast, read the Guru Charitra and Avadhuta Gita, and gather at Datta temples for worship and kirtan. Special rites and processions are held at Datta pilgrimage centres.

Which deity is worshipped on Datta Jayanti?

Datta Jayanti is dedicated to Dattatreya.

Last updated 26 July 2026