Ganinath

Ganinath also called Baba Ganinath and Baba Ganinath Ji Maharaj was a Hindu saint and a folk deity, who is worshipped as Kuldevta (community god) or Kulguru of Halwai and Kanu community in India. His worshippers regard him as an avatar of Lord Shiva. A postage stamp was issued to commemorate him in 2018 by the Department of Post, Government of India.

Biography Baba Ganinath was born to Mansaram on the banks of the Ganga river in Mahnar, (now in the Vaishali district of Bihar). According to legend, he began showing miracles from his childhood. After seeing his miracles, the people praised Shiva and he was named "Ganinath". In Samvat 1024, he attended Vikramshila University and achieved mastery . He was married to Chandela king Raja Dhang's daughter Khema. The 5 children of Ganinath were Raichandra, Shridhar, Govind, Sonmati and Shilmati, respectively.

The Ganinath Jayanti is celebrated by the Halwai, Madhesiya and Kanu community.

Commemoration On 23 September 2018, the Government of India issued a commemorative stamp in honour of Sant Ganinath. The First day of issue was also issued by the India Post. The stamp was released by Manoj Sinha, the Minister of State for Communications and Minister of State for Railways, on 23 September 2018.