📅 December 24, 2025 – Vinayaka Chaturthi & Skanda Sashti

Date: Wednesday, 24 December 2025
Tithi: Pausha, Shukla Chaturthi (Vinayaka Chaturthi) & Shukla Shashthi (Skanda Sashti)

🔹 Vinayaka Chaturthi 2025 – Significance & Rituals

Vinayaka Chaturthi, also known as Ganesh Chaturthi, is the monthly observance dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and the god of wisdom and prosperity.

Each lunar month, Chaturthi Tithi (fourth day after Amavasya) is celebrated as Vinayaka Chaturthi. The December 2025 Vinayaka Chaturthi falls in the Shukla Paksha of Pausha month.

🕉️ Significance:

• Worshipping Lord Ganesha on this day is believed to remove obstacles (Vighnas) and attract success and knowledge.
• Devotees seek blessings for new beginnings, business prosperity, and family harmony.
• It is also considered an auspicious day to start new ventures or educational activities.

🪔 Rituals:

1. Morning Puja: Wake up early, take a bath, and clean the house or puja area.
2. Ganesha Idol Worship: Offer durva grass, modaks, banana, and sandalwood paste.
3. Chanting: Recite the Ganesh Atharvashirsha or Om Gan Ganapataye Namah mantra.
4. Fasting: Many devotees observe a day-long fast until moonrise, ending it with Ganesha puja.
5. Moon Sighting: It is considered auspicious to see the moon after worship, unlike the Bhadrapada Chaturthi, when it’s avoided.

🔹 Skanda Sashti 2025 – Significance & Rituals

Skanda Sashti is dedicated to Lord Murugan (Kartikeya), the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It is observed on the sixth day (Sashti Tithi) of the Shukla Paksha each lunar month.

In December 2025, Skanda Sashti coincides with Thursday, 25 December 2025, the day after Vinayaka Chaturthi — making this period spiritually powerful.

🕉️ Significance:

• Symbolizes victory of good over evil, when Lord Murugan defeated the demon Surapadman.
• Devotees believe observing this vrat removes negative influences and grants spiritual power.
• In South India, especially Tamil Nadu and Kerala, this day is celebrated with temple processions and fasting.

🪔 Rituals:

1. Murugan Puja: Offer red flowers, sandalwood, and fruits to Lord Murugan’s idol or image.
2. Chanting: Recite Subramanya Ashtakam or Kanda Shasti Kavasam.
3. Fasting: Many devotees follow a strict fast, consuming only fruits and milk.
4. Temple Visit: Visiting Murugan temples like Thiruchendur, Palani, or Swamimalai is considered auspicious.

🌕 Spiritual Insight

Both Vinayaka Chaturthi and Skanda Sashti represent divine balance — Ganesha as the embodiment of wisdom and grounding energy, and Murugan as the symbol of valor and ascension. Observing these together strengthens both intellect and courage.