Sankashti Chaturthi is a Hindu festival celebrated every month to honor Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. It falls on the fourth day of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) of the lunar calendar.

In 2024, Sankashti Chaturthi will be observed on the following dates:

• January 27, 2024 (Saturday)
• February 26, 2024 (Monday)
• March 27, 2024 (Wednesday)
• April 25, 2024 (Thursday)
• May 25, 2024 (Saturday)
• June 23, 2024 (Sunday)
• July 23, 2024 (Tuesday)
• August 22, 2024 (Thursday)
• September 20, 2024 (Friday)
• October 19, 2024 (Saturday)
• November 17, 2024 (Sunday)
• December 17, 2024 (Tuesday)

Why is Sankashti Chaturthi Celebrated?

Sankashti Chaturthi, also known as Sankatahara Chaturthi, is a significant Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and the god of wisdom and prosperity. The reasons for celebrating Sankashti Chaturthi include:

1. Overcoming Obstacles: Devotees believe that observing this fast helps in removing obstacles from their lives and brings prosperity.
2. Seeking Wisdom and Prosperity: Lord Ganesha is revered as the deity of wisdom, intellect, and wealth. Observing Sankashti Chaturthi is believed to invoke his blessings for these virtues.
3. Spiritual Growth: The festival encourages devotees to engage in prayers, fasting, and meditation, promoting spiritual growth and inner peace.

See Also: Karwa Chauth 2024: तिथि, व्रत और पूजा मुहूर्त विधि

How is Sankashti Chaturthi Celebrated?

Sankashti Chaturthi is celebrated with various rituals and traditions that emphasize devotion and spiritual discipline. Common ways to celebrate include:

1. Fasting: Devotees observe a strict fast from sunrise to moonrise, abstaining from food and sometimes even water. The fast is broken only after sighting the moon and performing the evening rituals.
2. Puja and Rituals: Special prayers and rituals are conducted in honor of Lord Ganesha. Devotees visit temples or create a sacred space at home for the puja.
3. Chanting and Bhajans: Devotees recite Ganesha mantras and bhajans, seeking his blessings and expressing their devotion.
4. Offering Modak: Modak, a sweet delicacy, is considered Lord Ganesha’s favorite and is offered to him during the puja.

Puja Rituals

The puja rituals for Sankashti Chaturthi are elaborate and involve several steps to honor Lord Ganesha:

1. Morning Rituals: Devotees wake up early, take a bath, and perform the initial prayers. They prepare the altar with an idol or image of Lord Ganesha.
2. Puja Preparation: The puja thali is prepared with items such as flowers, incense sticks, diyas (lamps), fruits, and sweets, particularly modak.
3. Evening Puja: The main puja is conducted in the evening after sighting the moon. Devotees light the lamps, offer flowers, and chant Ganesha mantras.
4. Moon Sighting: After sighting the moon, devotees offer water (Arghya) to the moon and then break their fast by consuming prasad (blessed food).

Spiritual Significance

Sankashti Chaturthi holds deep spiritual significance for devotees of Lord Ganesha. The fast and rituals performed on this day are believed to bring various spiritual benefits:

1. Removal of Obstacles: Observing the fast is believed to remove obstacles and challenges from one’s life, paving the way for success and prosperity.
2. Enhancement of Wisdom: Devotees seek the blessings of Lord Ganesha for wisdom, knowledge, and intellectual growth.
3. Spiritual Cleansing: The fasting and rituals promote spiritual cleansing and inner peace, helping devotees connect with their higher self.

See Also: Ganesh Chaturthi 2024

Astrological Significance

Astrologically, Sankashti Chaturthi is considered an auspicious day with specific planetary influences that enhance the spiritual benefits of the rituals:

1. Lunar Influence: The festival is closely tied to the lunar calendar, and the energy of the moon on this day is believed to be particularly potent for spiritual practices.
2. Auspicious Timing: The timing of the rituals, especially the moon sighting, is astrologically significant and is believed to amplify the blessings received from Lord Ganesha.

Regional Celebrations

Sankashti Chaturthi is celebrated across India with regional variations in customs and traditions:

1. North India: In states like Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, devotees observe the fast and perform elaborate pujas at home and in temples.
2. South India: In Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh, Sankashti Chaturthi is celebrated with great fervor. Temples dedicated to Lord Ganesha are beautifully decorated, and special rituals are conducted.
3. West India: In Maharashtra and Gujarat, the festival is widely observed. Devotees visit Ganesha temples and participate in community celebrations.
4. East India: In West Bengal and Odisha, the festival is less prominent but is still observed by some devotees with traditional rituals and fasting.

Stories and Legends

Several stories and legends are associated with Sankashti Chaturthi, highlighting the festival’s significance and the divine power of Lord Ganesha:

1. The Legend of King Shursena: According to one legend, King Shursena observed Sankashti Chaturthi fast to seek Lord Ganesha’s blessings for a child. His devotion was rewarded, and he was blessed with a son.
2. The Story of Goddess Parvati: Another popular story involves Goddess Parvati, who created Ganesha from the sandalwood paste on her body. Ganesha’s birth and his role as the remover of obstacles are celebrated during Sankashti Chaturthi.
3. The Mahabharata Connection: It is believed that Lord Krishna advised Yudhishthira to observe the Sankashti Chaturthi fast to overcome obstacles and ensure success in their endeavors.

Modern Celebrations and Trends

While traditional practices remain central to Sankashti Chaturthi, modern trends and innovations have also become part of the festivities:

1. Community Events: Urban areas often organize community events where devotees gather to perform the rituals together, fostering a sense of community.
2. Virtual Celebrations: With advancements in technology, many devotees participate in virtual Sankashti Chaturthi celebrations, especially those living abroad.
3. Environmental Awareness: Some communities focus on eco-friendly practices, such as using biodegradable materials for decorations and idols.

Tips for Celebrating Sankashti Chaturthi

To make the most of Sankashti Chaturthi, here are some tips for celebrating this auspicious day:

1. Plan Ahead: Prepare your puja items and fasting requirements the night before to ensure a smooth and focused observance.
2. Stay Hydrated: During the pre-dawn meal, consume hydrating foods to sustain you throughout the day.
3. Engage in Spiritual Practices: Spend the day in prayer, meditation, and chanting to deepen your spiritual experience.
4. Community Participation: If possible, join community events or virtual gatherings to share the spiritual journey with others.
5. Break the Fast Wisely: After a day of fasting, break your fast with light and nourishing foods to avoid any digestive discomfort.

Conclusion

Sankashti Chaturthi is a festival that celebrates the divine power of Lord Ganesha and his ability to remove obstacles and grant wisdom and prosperity. With its rich rituals, spiritual significance, and cultural heritage, Sankashti Chaturthi provides an opportunity for devotees to express their devotion and seek the blessings of Lord Ganesha. Whether observing the fast, participating in community events, or following modern trends, Sankashti Chaturthi is a time to celebrate faith, devotion, and spiritual growth.