Ganadhip Sankashti Chaturthi

Vrat (fast), Puja, Worship

Not a public holiday, but widely observed by devotees.

One day (from dawn until moonrise)

Observed to overcome obstacles, seek blessings for prosperity, wisdom, and removal of difficulties. Devotees fast and pray to Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles (Vighnaharta).

Key Rituals & Practices

Devotees observe a partial or full fast from dawn until moonrise.

Ganesha Puja: Worshipping Lord Ganesha with flowers, incense, lamps, fruits, and his favorite sweets like Modak or Laddoos.

Recitation of Ganesha mantras (e.g., 'Om Gan Ganapataye Namaha').

Reading of the Sankashti Vrat Katha (story associated with the fast).

Performing Arghyam (water offering) to the Moon God after moonrise.

Breaking the fast only after sighting the moon and performing Chandra Puja.

Associated Deities

Lord Ganesha (Ganadhipati/Ganadhip)

Chandra (Moon God)

Hindu Calendar Details

Hindu Month

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

Ganesha is revered as 'Vighnaharta' (remover of obstacles) and 'Ganadhipati' (lord of the Ganas/troops). Observing Sankashti Chaturthi is believed to invoke his blessings to clear hindrances from one's life. While there are various legends, one popular story involves the Moon God (Chandra) and Ganesha, where the Moon was cursed by Ganesha and later blessed to be worshipped on this day before breaking the fast.

Alternative Names

Sankashti Chaturthi

Sankat Hara Chaturthi

Angarika Sankashti (if falls on Tuesday)

Gregorian Date

Occurs monthly; date varies as per the lunar calendar.