BhaktiLoopGajanan Sankashti Chaturthi
Observed to appease Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and bestower of wisdom and prosperity. Devotees fast and pray to seek his blessings to overcome difficulties and achieve success in life. 'Gajanan' is an epithet for Lord Ganesha, meaning 'elephant-faced'.
Key Rituals & Practices
Strict fasting from sunrise till moonrise (or partial fasting, consuming fruits, milk, etc.).
Performing Ganesh Puja in the evening before moonrise, offering modaks, ladoos, durva grass (Bermuda grass), red flowers, and vermilion (sindoor).
Reciting Ganesh mantras (e.g., 'Om Gan Ganapataye Namaha') and Ganesha Stotras (e.g., Sankashta Nashana Ganesha Stotram).
Listening to or reading the Vrat Katha (story) associated with Sankashti Chaturthi.
Breaking the fast only after sighting and worshipping the moon, offering Argyam (water) to the moon.
Associated Deities
Hindu Calendar Details
Hindu Month
Varies monthly (occurs in every Hindu lunar month)
Paksha
Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight)
Tithi
Chaturthi (fourth day)
Regional Relevance & Variations
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Historical & Mythological Context
According to Hindu mythology, Lord Ganesha is revered as the 'Vighnaharta' (remover of obstacles) and 'Siddhidata' (bestower of success). Observing Sankashti Chaturthi is believed to help devotees overcome challenges and attain their desires. The fast is said to have been observed by various gods and sages to gain Ganesha's blessings. One popular legend connects it to Lord Krishna, who observed this fast to clear his name in the Syamantaka jewel case, demonstrating its power to absolve sins and remove false accusations.
Alternative Names
Gregorian Date
Varies monthly (Observed on the 4th day of Krishna Paksha)