Vedic Rishi

Ganesh Chaturthi or Ganesh Sankashta Chaturthi Vrata, is an auspicious day dedicated to Lord Ganesha in a Hindu lunar month. It falls on the 4th day in a Krishna Paksha lunar fortnight or on the fourth day after full moon or Purnima. Ganesha devotees observe a fast (fasting or upvaas) on Sankashta Chaturthi Vrata days.

The fourth day after new moon and fourth day after full moon in the Hindu calendar is observed as Chaturthi and is dedicated to Lord Ganesha. Most people must be aware of only the Ganesh Chaturti festival that takes place in the month of Bhadrapada (August-September). But there are two Chaturthis in a month Sankashti and Vinayaki and staunch Ganesha devotees observe a fast on the Chaturthi after full moon. The monthly Chaturti day which falls after full moon in which a fast (fasting) is observed is known as Sankashti Chaturthi. The fast ends on the day after moonrise. Special Ganesh pujas are done in the evening. The monthly Chaturthi after Amavasi or new moon is known as Vinayaki Chaturthi. When Sankashti Chaturthi falls on Tuesday, it is known as Angaraki Chatutrhi and it is considered highly auspicious. The benefits of Chaturthi fasting include material progress, happiness and fulfillment of desires. The importance of Chaturthi vrat was explained by Lord Krishna to Yudhishtira, the eldest of the Pandavas. It is also mentioned in the Narasimha Purana and Bhavishaya Purana.

Sankashti Chaturti Morning

After early morning bath, prayers are offered to Lord Ganesha in the usual way by lighting a lamp or Aarti. Anyone of the prayers dedicated to Lord Ganesh is chanted. The fasting begins after puja. Food that can be eaten by those observing Partial Fasting Those people observing partial fast can eat Sabudana Khichadi or fruits or curd rice.

Sankashti Chaturthi Evening Puja

The puja is usually performed after sighting the moon. If moon is not sighted, the puja is performed as per the moonrise time given in the Panchang or calendar. After sighting the moon, an idol or painting or photo of Lord Ganesh is decorated using flowers and Durva grass. A lamp is lit. A coconut, banana and flowers are offered to Lord Ganesh. Usually a Prasad (Modak or any other sweet) is prepared and offered. Aarati is performed. Other usual puja procedures like chanting mantras, lighting incense or agarbatis are done. After the Puja the Prasad is distributed. Some people opt for a more elaborate Shodashopchar puja 16 steps. Sankashti Chaturthi Evening Puja to Moon Special pujas are offered to Chandra or moon god The puja involves sprinkling water, sandalwood paste, flowers and consecrated rice in the direction of the moon.