Sankashti Chaturthi, also known as Sankatahara Chaturthi, is a significant Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed deity who is revered as the remover of obstacles and the god of wisdom. The term “Sankashti” is derived from two Sanskrit words – ‘Sankat,’ meaning difficulties or problems, and ‘Chaturthi,’ denoting the fourth day of the lunar month.
This auspicious day falls on the fourth day of the waning phase of the moon, typically occurring every lunar month. However, the Sankashti Chaturthi that holds special significance is the one that falls on the fourth day after the full moon, also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi. Devotees observe a fast on this day, seeking the blessings of Lord Ganesha to remove obstacles and bring prosperity into their lives.
The worship of Lord Ganesha begins with the sighting of the moon after sunset. Devotees break their fast by partaking in a meal known as ‘Chandrodaya,’ which includes items such as sesame seeds, green gram, and sweets like modak, a favorite of Lord Ganesha. It is believed that observing the Sankashti Chaturthi fast and performing the associated rituals helps in attaining success, happiness, and overcoming challenges.
Sankashti Chaturthi February 2024 Date: 28 February 2024.
Tithi Timing: February 28, 1:53 am – February 29, 4:19 am.
Moonrise time of various cities to break fast:
- Jaipur, Rajasthan: 09:46 PM
- Delhi: 09:42 PM
- Ahmedabad, Gujarat: 09:56 PM
- Patna, Bihar: 09:06 PM
- Mumbai, Maharashtra: 09:51 PM
- Bengaluru, Karnataka: 09:27 PM
- Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh: 09:36 PM
- Raipur, Chhattisgarh: 09:17 PM
- Hyderabad, Telangana: 09:27 PM
- Chennai, Tamil Nadu: 09:16 PM
- Kolkata, West Bengal: 08:50 PM
- Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh: 09:25 PM
- Chandigarh: 09:45 PM
- Bhubaneswar, Odisha: 08:58 PM
- Shimla, Himachal Pradesh: 09:44 PM
- Dehradun, Uttarakhand: 09:40 PM
- Ranchi, Jharkhand: 09:03 PM
- Nagpur, Maharashtra: 09:27 PM
- Pune, Maharashtra: 09:46 PM
