Sankashti Chaturthi Vrat: Sankashti Chaturthi is a popular festival in Hinduism. Before undertaking any auspicious task in Hinduism, the worship of Lord Ganesha is considered essential. Lord Ganesha is revered as the primary deity among all gods and goddesses. Various fasts and vows are observed to please deities. The Sankashti Chaturthi fast, dedicated to Lord Ganesha, is prevalent. Chaturthi occurs twice a month.
Sankashti Chaturthi is considered a special day for worshiping Lord Ganesha. This month’s Sankashti Chaturthi will be observed on November 30. The term ‘Sankashti Chaturthi’ translates to the fourth day that eliminates obstacles. Worshiping Lord Ganesha on this day is believed to bring relief from all types of troubles. Observing a fast from sunrise to moonrise on Chaturthi is recommended.
Sankashti Chaturthi Puja Procedure:
To receive Lord Ganesha’s blessings on Sankashti Chaturthi, wake up before sunrise, take a bath, and make a vow for the fast. Wearing red-colored attire on this day is considered highly auspicious. After wearing clean clothes, begin the worship of Lord Ganesha. During the puja, the worshiper should face either the east or the north. Decorate Lord Ganesha’s idol with flowers. Offerings during the puja include sesame seeds, jaggery, laddoo, flowers, water in a copper pot, incense, sandalwood, and fruits such as banana or coconut.
Placing an idol or image of Goddess Durga near the idol of Lord Ganesha during the puja is considered highly auspicious. Apply red vermilion to Lord Ganesha, offer flowers, and perform arati. The offerings to Sankashti are laddoos and modaks. Chant the mantra of Lord Ganesha. Those observing the fast should consume only fruits, peanuts, kheer, milk, or sago after the puja. In the evening, before the moonrise, perform the puja for Lord Ganesha and recite the Sankashti Vrat Katha. This fast is opened after sighting the moon at night.
Significance of Sankashti Chaturthi:
Worshiping Lord Ganesha on Sankashti Chaturthi is believed to remove negative influences from the home and maintain peace. It is said that Lord Ganesha dispels all adversities and fulfills the desires of the devotee. Viewing the moon on this day is considered auspicious. The fast concludes after the moonrise following the sunrise.
