BhaktiLoopBhalchandra Sankashti Chaturthi
Observed to propitiate Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. Devotees fast throughout the day and break it only after sighting the moon in the evening, seeking blessings for prosperity, good fortune, and the fulfillment of desires.
Key Rituals & Practices
Morning bath and purification.
Observing a day-long fast, either partial (fruits, milk, water) or strict (nirjala - no water).
Performing Ganesh Puja: Offering Durva grass, flowers, modak, ladoo, incense, and lamps.
Recitation of Ganesha mantras (e.g., 'Om Gan Ganapataye Namaha', 'Vakratunda Mahakaya').
Reading the Sankashti Vrat Katha (story of the fast).
Waiting for the moonrise in the evening.
After moon sighting, offering prayers to Chandra Dev (Moon God) and then to Lord Ganesha.
Breaking the fast by consuming the Prasad (offerings) and a simple meal.
Charitable donations to the poor or Brahmins.
Associated Deities
Hindu Calendar Details
Hindu Month
Phalguna (as per North Indian Purnimanta calendar) or Magha (as per South Indian Amanta calendar)
Paksha
Krishna Paksha (Waning Moon Phase)
Tithi
Chaturthi (Fourth day of the lunar fortnight)
Regional Relevance & Variations
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Historical & Mythological Context
Bhalchandra is one of the 32 forms of Lord Ganesha, often depicted with a crescent moon on his forehead. The fast is believed to be highly efficacious in removing obstacles and bringing success, as Lord Ganesha is the 'Vighnaharta' (remover of obstacles). It is said that observing this fast helps one overcome difficult situations (sankat) in life. The moon sighting is crucial, as the fast is completed only after offering prayers to Chandra Dev, symbolizing the completion of the lunar cycle for the Tithi.
Alternative Names
Gregorian Date
Varies annually, typically in February or March