Sankashti Chaturthi, also known as Sankata Hara Chaturthi, is a Hindu fasting day dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. Celebrated on the fourth day (Chaturthi) of the Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the moon) every month according to the Hindu lunar calendar, this auspicious day holds immense significance for devotees seeking Ganesha's blessings for prosperity, success, and the removal of obstacles. Explore our collection of exquisite Lord Ganesha idols, crafted with intricate details and reverence at eCraftIndia.

Story of Sankashti Chaturthi
The history of Sankashti Chaturthi dates back to ancient times and is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology and religious traditions. The significance of this auspicious day can be traced to the worship of Lord Ganesha, the revered elephant-headed deity and the remover of obstacles.
According to Hindu mythology, the story of Sankashti Chaturthi revolves around Lord Ganesha and his association with the moon. It is believed that once, Lord Ganesha consumed a large quantity of sweets offered by his devotee, causing his stomach to become full. While returning home on his mouse vehicle, Ganesha tripped and fell, causing his stomach to burst open. To soothe his pain, Lord Shiva, Ganesha's father, placed a crescent moon on Ganesha's forehead, providing him with relief and earning him the name "Sankata Hara," meaning remover of obstacles.
Another legend associated with Sankashti Chaturthi involves the demon king, Gajamukhasura, who worshipped Lord Shiva with great devotion. Pleased with his penance, Lord Shiva granted him the boon of becoming invincible. However, Gajamukhasura soon became arrogant and started tormenting the gods and sages. To stop his tyranny, Lord Ganesha fought a fierce battle with the demon and eventually vanquished him on the auspicious day of Sankashti Chaturthi. This victory symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and underscores the importance of seeking divine intervention to overcome obstacles and challenges in life.
Over the centuries, Sankashti Chaturthi has evolved into a sacred observance observed by millions of devotees across the world. It is considered highly auspicious for seeking the blessings of Lord Ganesha for prosperity, success, and the removal of obstacles. Devotees observe fasting, perform rituals, and offer prayers to Lord Ganesha on this day, seeking his divine grace and protection. The rituals associated with Sankashti Chaturthi vary from region to region but generally include the recitation of prayers, offering of sweets, and participation in religious ceremonies.
Dates of Sankashti Chaturthi
Sankashti Chaturthi is observed every month, with devotees fasting and performing rituals to honor Lord Ganesha. While the dates vary according to the Hindu lunar calendar, some of the most significant Sankashti Chaturthi dates include:
January 22, 2024 (Monday)
February 21, 2024 (Tuesday)
March 22, 2024 (Thursday)
April 20, 2024 (Saturday)
May 20, 2024 (Sunday)
June 18, 2024 (Tuesday)
July 18, 2024 (Thursday)
August 17, 2024 (Friday)
September 16, 2024 (Monday)
October 16, 2024 (Wednesday)
November 14, 2024 (Thursday)
December 14, 2024 (Saturday)
Significance of Sankashti Chaturthi
The significance of Sankashti Chaturthi lies in its association with Lord Ganesha and the spiritual benefits it offers to devotees. Here are some key aspects highlighting the significance of this auspicious day:
- Removal of Obstacles: Sankashti Chaturthi is widely celebrated as a day to seek the blessings of Lord Ganesha for the removal of obstacles and challenges from one's life. Devotees believe that worshipping Ganesha with devotion on this day helps in overcoming hurdles and achieving success in endeavors.
- Prosperity and Well-being: Observing the rituals of Sankashti Chaturthi is believed to bring prosperity, wealth, and overall well-being to individuals and their families. It is considered auspicious to seek the blessings of Lord Ganesha for financial stability, career advancement, and personal growth.
- Spiritual Growth: Sankashti Chaturthi holds significance in fostering spiritual growth and devotion among devotees. By observing fasting, performing puja, and reciting prayers dedicated to Lord Ganesha, individuals deepen their connection with the divine and cultivate virtues such as humility, gratitude, and inner strength. Create a serene ambiance with our range of incense holders, perfect for elevating your spiritual practices.
- Family Harmony: The observance of Sankashti Chaturthi is often associated with promoting harmony and unity within the family. Through collective prayers and rituals, family members come together to seek the blessings of Lord Ganesha for peace, happiness, and mutual understanding in their relationships.
- Fulfillment of Desires: Devotees believe that sincere prayers offered to Lord Ganesha on Sankashti Chaturthi are capable of fulfilling their heartfelt desires and aspirations. Whether it is seeking success in endeavors, finding love and happiness, or overcoming personal challenges, devotees trust in the divine grace of Ganesha to grant their wishes.
- Observance of Vows and Penance: Many devotees undertake vows and penance on Sankashti Chaturthi as a form of devotion and dedication to Lord Ganesha. They observe strict fasting, perform austerities, and engage in acts of charity to seek the blessings of the deity and express their reverence towards him.
Rituals of Sankashti Chaturthi
The observance of Sankashti Chaturthi entails several rituals that devotees perform with reverence and devotion. These rituals are aimed at invoking the blessings of Lord Ganesha and seeking his divine grace for the removal of obstacles and the fulfillment of desires. Complete your puja rituals with our elegantly designed pooja thali, featuring sacred symbols and motifs. Here are some of the key rituals associated with Sankashti Chaturthi:
- Fasting (Vrat): Devotees observe a strict fast from sunrise to moonrise on Sankashti Chaturthi as a mark of devotion to Lord Ganesha. The fast is considered highly auspicious and is believed to bestow blessings upon the devotees.
- Morning Rituals: On the day of Sankashti Chaturthi, devotees wake up early and take a purifying bath. They then adorn themselves in clean clothes and prepare for the day's rituals with a sense of piety and devotion.
- Ganesha Puja: Devotees perform elaborate puja (worship) ceremonies dedicated to Lord Ganesha. They clean the puja area and decorate it with flowers, rangoli (colored powders), and other auspicious decorations. The puja typically involves chanting of Ganesha mantras, offering of sweets, fruits, and flowers, and lighting of incense sticks.
- Observance of Vrat Katha: Many devotees recite the Vrat Katha (narrative) associated with Sankashti Chaturthi. This sacred narrative narrates the significance of observing the fast and seeking the blessings of Lord Ganesha for the removal of obstacles and the fulfillment of desires.
- Moonrise Viewing: In the evening, devotees eagerly await the sighting of the moon, which marks the conclusion of their fast. Upon sighting the moon, they offer prayers to Lord Ganesha and seek his blessings. Some devotees break their fast by consuming prasad (sacred food offerings) that have been offered to Lord Ganesha during the puja.
- Charity and Donation: Devotees engage in acts of charity and donation as a part of their Sankashti Chaturthi observances. They offer food, clothing, or monetary donations to the needy and deserving individuals, considering it a form of seva (selfless service) and a means of earning merit.
- Recitation of Ganesha Stotras and Bhajans: Throughout the day, devotees recite Ganesha stotras (hymns) and sing bhajans (devotional songs) in praise of Lord Ganesha. These recitations and devotional songs create a spiritually charged atmosphere and deepen the devotees' connection with the deity.
- Personal Prayers and Offerings: Devotees offer personal prayers and make special offerings to Lord Ganesha, expressing their devotion and seeking his blessings for their well-being, success, and happiness.
Fasting on Sankashti Chaturthi
Fasting on Sankashti Chaturthi is an integral aspect of the observance and is considered a sacred practice by devotees seeking the blessings of Lord Ganesha. Here's a detailed explanation of the fasting practices associated with Sankashti Chaturthi:
- Duration: Devotees observe a strict fast from sunrise to moonrise on Sankashti Chaturthi. The fast begins at sunrise and continues until the moon is sighted in the evening sky. It is believed that fasting during this period is highly auspicious and brings divine blessings from Lord Ganesha.
- Abstinence from Food and Water: During the fasting period, devotees abstain from consuming any food or liquids, including water. The fast is observed as a mark of devotion and self-discipline, symbolizing the willingness to make sacrifices for spiritual growth and divine blessings.
- Spiritual Significance: Fasting on Sankashti Chaturthi is believed to have spiritual significance and is considered a means of purifying the body and mind. By abstaining from worldly pleasures and indulgences, devotees focus their energy and attention on spiritual pursuits and the worship of Lord Ganesha.
- Sankashti Chaturthi Vrat Katha: Many devotees recite the Sankashti Chaturthi Vrat Katha, a sacred narrative that recounts the significance of observing the fast and seeking the blessings of Lord Ganesha. The vrat katha inspires devotees to uphold the tradition of fasting and reinforces their faith in the divine grace of Ganesha.
- Prayer and Meditation: While fasting, devotees engage in prayer, meditation, and other spiritual practices to deepen their connection with Lord Ganesha. They offer heartfelt prayers seeking the removal of obstacles, the fulfillment of desires, and divine blessings for prosperity and well-being. Illuminate your sacred space with the warm glow of brass diyas, invoking blessings and divine light.
- Physical Restraint: Along with abstaining from food and water, devotees practice physical restraint by avoiding indulgence in worldly activities and distractions. They focus their thoughts and actions on spiritual pursuits and the worship of Lord Ganesha, maintaining a sense of discipline and devotion throughout the fasting period.
- Break of Fast: The fast is traditionally broken upon sighting the moon in the evening sky. Devotees eagerly await the appearance of the moon and offer prayers to Lord Ganesha before partaking of prasad (sacred food offerings) that have been offered to the deity during the puja.
- Moderation in Eating: After breaking the fast, devotees consume a simple and light meal to ease digestion and gradually replenish their energy levels. It is advisable to avoid overeating or indulging in heavy or rich foods immediately after fasting to prevent discomfort and promote physical well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can we drink water during Sankashti Chaturthi fasting?
No, devotees abstain from consuming any liquids, including water, from sunrise to moonrise on Sankashti Chaturthi.
What if we are unable to observe a strict fast due to health reasons?
Devotees who are unable to observe a strict fast due to health reasons can opt for a partial fast, consuming simple and light foods or liquids in moderation.
Can we perform the Sankashti Chaturthi rituals at home?
Yes, devotees can perform the Sankashti Chaturthi rituals at home by following the prescribed puja procedures and observing the fast with devotion and sincerity.
Is it necessary to break the fast after sighting the moon?
Yes, devotees break their fast upon sighting the moon in the evening and offer prayers to Lord Ganesha before partaking of prasadam or sacred food offerings.
Can we donate to charity as part of my Sankashti Chaturthi observances?
Yes, engaging in acts of charity and donation is considered auspicious on Sankashti Chaturthi, and devotees can offer food, clothing, or monetary donations to the needy and deserving individuals as a form of seva or selfless service.
Conclusion
Sankashti Chaturthi is a sacred and auspicious day dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and bestower of blessings. By observing the fast, performing rituals with devotion, and seeking the deity's divine grace, devotees can overcome challenges, fulfill their desires, and lead a life filled with prosperity, success, and spiritual fulfillment. May the blessings of Lord Ganesha shower upon all devotees on this auspicious occasion of Sankashti Chaturthi. Transform your home into a place of worship with a beautifully crafted home temple, offering a sanctified space for prayer and meditation. Explore our collection at eCraftIndia and enhance your home decor with a graceful Lord Ganesha statue, and Lord Ganesha paintings, symbolizing wisdom, prosperity, and auspiciousness.