Sankashti Ganesh Chaturthi is a revered Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Ganesha, celebrated every month on the Chaturthi Tithi (fourth day) of the Krishna Paksha (waning moon phase). This sacred observance is believed to remove obstacles, fulfill desires, and bring peace and prosperity. The word “Sankashti” means “reliever of troubles,” and Lord Ganesha, as Vighnaharta (remover of obstacles), is worshipped to eliminate difficulties from devotees’ lives. This year, Sankashti Ganesh Chaturthi falls on November 27, 2024.
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Significance of Sankashti Ganesh Chaturthi
On this auspicious day, devotees worship Lord Ganesha, the deity of wisdom, success, and prosperity. Observing a fast and offering prayers to Ganesha is believed to alleviate all difficulties and ensure happiness, wealth, and tranquility in life. Lord Ganesha, the Pratham Pujya Devta (first-worshipped deity), holds special importance in Hinduism, and this day is particularly meaningful for his devotees.
It is considered highly auspicious to view the moon on this day, as the fast remains incomplete without it. According to legend, observing this fast blessed King Indradyumna with a son and ensured wealth and peace in his family. Devotees believe this fast also brings prosperity and harmony within the household.
Puja Samagri (Worship Materials)
- Idol or picture of Lord Ganesha
- Red cloth
- Flowers, especially red ones
- 21 knots of Durva grass
- Roli, sindoor, sandalwood paste, and rice grains
- Modaks, laddoos, and coconut
- Ghee lamp, incense sticks, and camphor
- Betel leaves, betel nuts, Kalash, and water
Puja Vidhi (Worship Procedure)
- Begin the fast at sunrise after taking a bath and wearing clean clothes.
- Clean the puja site and set up an idol or picture of Lord Ganesha. Place the idol on a red cloth on a wooden platform.
- Light a ghee lamp and begin the rituals by taking a vow for the fast, offering water and flowers to Lord Ganesha.
- Offer Akshat (rice grains), flowers, Durva grass, and Roli to Ganesha. Prepare a bhog (offering) of modaks or laddoos.
- Recite the mantra “Om Gan Ganpataye Namah” 108 times to invoke Lord Ganesha’s blessings.
- Read or listen to the Sankashti Ganesh Chaturthi Katha to understand the significance of this fast.
- Perform aarti, and let family members participate. Conclude the puja by bowing to Lord Ganesha and expressing gratitude.
- Break the fast by offering Arghya (water offering) to the moon after moonrise. View the moon and consume the prasadam offered to Lord Ganesha.
Associated Stories
- Nakul and Sahadev: During the Mahabharata era, the Pandavas’ younger brothers Nakul and Sahadev observed this fast, which freed them from their hardships and brought peace to their family.
- The Curse of the Moon: According to another legend, the Moon God once mocked Lord Ganesha’s appearance, angering him. Ganesha cursed the Moon, saying that anyone who looked at him would face dishonor. However, after the Moon apologized and praised Ganesha, he softened the curse, declaring that worshipping the moon on Sankashti Chaturthi would cleanse sins and remove blemishes.
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