Sankashti Chaturthi, also known as Sankatahara Chaturthi, is a festival dedicated to Lord Ganesha or the beneficent Elephant God, Sankashti. On this day, followers worship Lord Ganesha to overcome life’s obstacles and emerge victorious through trying times.
This Hindu celebration is held on the “Chaturthi” (Fourth Day) of the Krishna Paksha every month (the waning phase of moon). It is also referred to as “Sankat Hara Chaturthi” in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Tuesday is the most promising and auspicious Sankashti Chaturthi, also known as Angaraki Chaturthi.
In the Hindu Panchang, a lunar month contains two Chaturthi Tithis (Dates). ‘Sankashti Chaturthi’ occurs after Puranmasi or on the day of the full moon during the Krishna Paksha, whereas ‘Vinayaka Chaturthi’ occurs after Amavasya or on the day of the new moon during the Shukla Paksha. Sankashti Chaturthi is observed in both Northern and Southern Indian states. The Sanskrit word “Sankashti” signifies “liberation from tough times.”
Sankashti Chaturthi 2023 Vrat Dates
Sakat Chauth / Lambodara Sankashti Chaturthi – January 10, 2023, Tuesday
Dwijapriya Sankashti Chaturthi – Feburary 9, 2023, Thursday
Bhalachandra Sankashti Chaturthi – March 11, 2023, Saturday
Vikata Sankashti Chaturthi – April 9, 2023, Sunday
Ekadanta Sankashti Chaturthi – May 8, 2023, Monday
Krishnapingala Sankashti Chaturthi – June 7, 2023, Wednesday
Gajanana Sankashti Chaturthi – July 6, 2023, Thursday
Vibhuvana Sankashti Chaturthi – August 04, 2023, Friday
Bahula Chaturthi/Heramba Sankashti Chaturthi – September 3, 2023, Sunday
Vighnaraja Sankashti Chaturthi – October 2, 2023, Monday
Vakratunda Sankashti Chaturthi /Karwa Chauth – November 1, 2023, Wednesday
Ganadhipa Sankashti Chaturthi – November 30, 2023, Thursday
Akhuratha Sankashti Chaturthi – December 30, 2023, Saturday
Sankashti Chaturthi Rituals
On this day, Ganesha bestows his blessings on all worshippers. On the same day, Deity Shiva proclaimed his son Ganesha as “Pratham pujya,” which translates to “first god to be worshipped,” and superior to all gods, including Vishnu, Lakshmi, Shiva, and Parvati. Ganesh is revered as the god of intelligence, prosperity, and good fortune, and believers seek his blessings at the start of any new endeavor or journey. Lord Ganesha, the deity of the Pratham puja who is revered as the supreme lord of wealth, intelligence, and good fortune, represents the remover of all barriers.
- The ceremonial event is done by couples who maintain a fast to get the Lord’s blessings. Devotees must be up early and dress in clean attire The idol of Lord Ganesha is placed on a clean platform.
- Fresh flowers and Durva grass are offered to invoke the Supreme Lord; sweets such as modaks and laddoos are placed in front of Lord Ganesha.
- The pooja is performed in the evening after the sighting of the moon; the ritual begins with chanting the Ganesh mantra and reciting the stories of the Vrata Katha, and the ritual concludes with the offering of fresh flowers and Durva grass.
Chant this Ganesh Mantra on Sankashti Chaturthi
Vakra-Tunndda Maha-Kaaya Suurya-Kotti Samaprabha I
Nirvighnam Kuru Me Deva Sarva-Kaaryessu Sarvadaa II
Dishes Prepare on Sankashti Chaturthi
● Sabudana ki khichdi
● Fresh fruits
● Unsalted chips
● Peanuts
● Potato
Significance of Sankashti Chaturthi
From eradicating all of your obstacles to bestowing you with enlightenment and happiness, the deity is accountable for all of your difficulties. Lord Ganesha embodies intelligence, virtue, and knowledge. Therefore, the supreme deity is believed to grant you health, money, and happiness.
It is said that if one prays with a pure heart and spirit on this day, all their wishes and dreams would come true. Consequently, fasting and conducting rituals on Sankashti Chaturthi is extremely beneficial.
The day is considered fortunate because on this day, Lord Shiva declared his son Ganesha to be the most powerful deity. Sankashti Chaturthi is hence regarded as one of the auspicious fasts maintained by women for the benefit of their families.
FAQs
1. What is Sankashti Chaturthi in English?
Ans – Sankashti Chaturthi, also known as Sankatahara Chaturthi, is a day in every Hindu lunar month dedicated to Ganesha. The fourth day of the Krishna Paksha falls on this day (the dark lunar phase or the waning fortnight of the moon).
2. What are the rules of Sankashti Chaturthi?
Ans – On the morning of Sankashti Chathurthi, devotees rise early, bathe, and announce their intent to keep the fast. The individuals observe a full or partial fast throughout the day. In the evening, during the time of moonrise, they attend a temple or perform the puja at home.
3. Is it compulsory to fast on Sankashti Chaturthi?
Ans – The devotees must keep a full fast from morning to evening, and the Ganesh puja must be performed in the evening.
4. What should we not do on Chaturthi?
Ans – Onion and garlic should not be consumed after Ganpati sthapna, whether for prasad or family usage. Follow the auspicious time for a successful Ganesha visarjan, and only immerse the statue after offering him prayers and prasad.
5. Can we do Ganesh puja during periods?
Ans – All of the mantras used in daily poojas, including Bhagya Sooktha, Ganapathi, Saiva Manthras, and Purusha Sooktha, come from the Vedas. The four Vedas never declare that a woman’s menstruating body is filthy or that she cannot do poojas.
