Sankashti Chaturthi

About

Sankashti (= deliverance from trouble) Chaturthi is observed on the Krishna paksha Chaturthi, the fourth tithi of the waning fortnight, once every month. It is dedicated to Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. The fast is broken only after the moon is seen in the evening.

Each month's Sankashti has its own name and Ganesha form, and a katha is read for that month.

Significance and stories

Ganesha is worshipped before any new venture, so many families keep this vrat for a smooth path in work, study and home life. Stories tell of devotees who turned to Ganesha in difficulty and found relief.

The moon has a place in the vrat because of a story in which Ganesha was mocked by the moon, and a curse was lifted through worship on Chaturthi. This is why the vrat is closed after moonrise.

How to observe (puja vidhi)

1. Rise early, bathe and make a sankalpa to keep the Sankashti fast.
2. Place a picture or murti of Ganesha on a clean seat. Light a lamp.
3. Offer durva grass (21 blades are traditional), red flowers, modak or laddu, and fruit.
4. Chant ॐ गं गणपतये नमः (Om gam ganapataye namah), or read the Ganapati Atharvashirsha or Sankashti katha. Ask a priest or elder to guide pronunciation.
5. Keep the fast through the day.
6. After moonrise, offer arghya (= a gesture of water) to the moon, then do Ganesha aarti.
7. Break the fast with the prasad and a simple meal.

Puja items (samagri)

• Ganesha murti or picture
• Durva grass, red hibiscus or other red flowers
• Modak, laddu or another sweet
• Coconut, fruit, betel leaf and nut
• Incense, lamp, sandalwood paste, sindoor
• Water and milk for the moon offering

Fasting and food

Most people eat only fruit, milk, sabudana or other grain-free foods through the day, and break the fast after moonrise. Some keep a stricter fast without water, and others take one meal. Choose what you can manage.

The fast is broken after moonrise, which is city specific. The site shows the moonrise time for your city. On cloudy days it is still fine to offer prayers at the right time even if the moon cannot be seen.

People with health conditions, pregnant or nursing women, children and the elderly should follow their doctor's advice and may keep a lighter fast.

Angarki Sankashti

When Sankashti Chaturthi falls on a Tuesday (Mangalvar, the day of Mars, also called Angaraka), it is called Angarki Sankashti. It is considered especially auspicious, and many devotees keep it with extra care and visit Ganesha temples.

The big one in Magha

The Sankashti in the Magha month (Purnimanta, around the middle of the cold season) is regarded by many, especially in North India, as the most important of the year and is called Sakat Chauth or Til Chauth in North India. Mothers keep it for their children's welfare, and sesame (til) sweets are made. Some regions name the month differently, so check your regional calendar.

Regional customs

In Maharashtra and Karnataka Sankashti is widely kept, often with a modak offering, and the Ganesha temples are full on Angarki Sankashti. In North India the Magha vrat is Sakat Chauth, with til-based sweets. In Tamil Nadu it is observed as Sankatahara Chaturthi. Traditions vary; follow your family's custom or your priest's guidance.

Celebrating in the USA

Moonrise on the vrat evening varies a lot by city and season, so use the time shown on the site instead of an India time. If you cannot see the moon because of weather or buildings, offer the water towards the east or the direction of the moon at the right hour. Durva grass can be taken from your garden if it has not been sprayed with chemicals. Local Ganesha or Hindu temples often hold a Sankashti puja in the evening.