Sankashti Chaturthi, also known as Sankata Hara Chaturthi, is a significant Hindu observance dedicated to Lord Ganesha. It is observed on the fourth day (Chaturthi) of the waning moon (Krishna Paksha) each month. Devotees undertake a fast on this day, breaking it after sighting the moon and performing rituals to seek Lord Ganesha’s blessings for the removal of obstacles and the granting of wisdom.
Sankashti Chaturthi Dates and Moonrise Timings for 2025
Below is a list of Sankashti Chaturthi dates along with their corresponding moonrise timings for the year 2025:
| Month | Date | Moonrise Time | Chaturthi Tithi Begins | Chaturthi Tithi Ends |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 17, Friday | 09:32 PM | 04:06 AM, Jan 17 | 05:30 AM, Jan 18 |
| February | 16, Sunday | 09:49 PM | 11:52 PM, Feb 15 | 02:15 AM, Feb 17 |
| March | 17, Monday | 09:21 PM | 07:33 PM, Mar 17 | 10:09 PM, Mar 18 |
| April | 16, Wednesday | 09:53 PM | 01:16 PM, Apr 16 | 03:23 PM, Apr 17 |
| May | 16, Friday | 10:30 PM | 04:02 AM, May 16 | 05:13 AM, May 17 |
| June | 14, Saturday | 10:04 PM | 03:46 PM, Jun 14 | 03:51 PM, Jun 15 |
| July | 14, Monday | 10:04 PM | 01:02 AM, Jul 14 | 11:59 PM, Jul 14 |
| August | 12, Tuesday | 09:18 PM | 08:40 AM, Aug 12 | 06:35 AM, Aug 13 |
| September | 10, Wednesday | 08:34 PM | 03:37 PM, Sep 10 | 12:45 PM, Sep 11 |
| October | 10, Friday | 08:53 PM | 10:54 PM, Oct 09 | 07:38 PM, Oct 10 |
| November | 8, Saturday | 08:42 PM | 07:32 AM, Nov 08 | 04:25 AM, Nov 09 |
| December | 7, Sunday | 08:35 PM | 06:24 PM, Dec 07 | 04:03 PM, Dec 08 |
Please note that these timings are based on the Hindu lunar calendar and may vary slightly depending on regional and local customs.
Significance of Sankashti Chaturthi
The term “Sankashti” translates to “deliverance during difficult times,” and “Chaturthi” refers to the fourth day of the lunar phase. Observing this vrat (fast) is believed to:
- Remove obstacles from one’s life.
- Bestow prosperity, health, and wisdom.
- Grant the devotee’s desires and wishes.
When Sankashti Chaturthi falls on a Tuesday, it is termed “Angarika Chaturthi” and is considered especially auspicious.
Vrat Vidhi (Fasting Procedure) for Sankashti Chaturthi
- Morning Rituals:
- Wake up early, preferably during the Brahma Muhurta (around 4 AM), and take a holy bath.
- Clean the puja area and set up an idol or picture of Lord Ganesha.
- Fasting:
- Devotees observe a strict fast from sunrise until moonrise.
- Some may opt for a complete fast without food and water, while others may consume fruits, roots of plants, and raw vegetables. A typical diet during this fast includes fresh potatoes, sabudana (tapioca pearls), and peanuts.
- Evening Puja:
- As moonrise approaches, prepare offerings such as fresh flowers, durva grass, and modaks (sweet dumplings) for Lord Ganesha.
- Decorate the idol with flowers and durva grass.
- Light a lamp and incense sticks.
- Recite the “Sankashti Vrat Katha” (the story associated with the fast) and chant Ganesha mantras like “Om Gan Ganapataye Namah.”
- Moonrise and Conclusion of Fast:
- Once the moon is visible, offer water, rice, and flowers to the moon while reciting relevant prayers.
- After moon worship, break the fast by consuming the prasad (sacred food offering) and other permitted foods.
By observing the Sankashti Chaturthi vrat with devotion and adherence to the rituals, devotees seek the blessings of Lord Ganesha to overcome challenges and attain prosperity and wisdom.