Vinayak Chaturthi is a fast observed on the fourth day (Chaturthi) of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the moon) every month. This fast is dedicated to Lord Ganesha. On Vinayak Chaturthi, devotees worship Ganpati Bappa and observe a fast to seek success in all auspicious activities. Observing this fast is believed to bring prosperity, growth, happiness, and good fortune, while also removing all sorrows and obstacles from one’s life. With devotion, devotees perform Ganesh puja on this day. Let’s learn about the rituals and auspicious timings for Vinayak Chaturthi.
Table of Contents
Auspicious Timings for Vinayak Chaturthi
Vinayak Chaturthi falls on the fourth day of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Ashwin. According to the Vedic calendar, this year, it occurs on October 6, beginning at 7:49 AM and ending on October 7 at 9:45 AM. On this day, the moon sets at 7:53 PM. Devotees observing this fast can do so on October 6.
Significance of Vinayak Chaturthi
Vinayak Chaturthi, also known as “Varad Vinayak Chaturthi,” is dedicated to Lord Ganesha. Devotees who observe this fast with true faith and devotion receive the blessings of wisdom and patience from Lord Ganesha.
Rituals for Vinayak Chaturthi
If you are observing the Vinayak Chaturthi fast, wake up before sunrise, bathe, and wear red clothes. Offer water to the Sun God with a copper vessel. Next, take coconut and modak (Lord Ganesha’s favorite sweet) to a Ganesh temple. Offer rose flowers and durva grass to the deity and chant the mantra “Om Gan Ganapataye Namah” 27 times. Perform the aarti with incense and lamps. For the afternoon worship, you can install an idol of Ganesha made of copper, gold, silver, brass, or clay according to your means. Then, offer modak to Lord Ganesha and distribute it among children.
Two Chaturthi Days Each Month
According to the Hindu calendar, each month has two Chaturthi days. One is in the Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the moon) after the full moon, known as Sankashti Chaturthi, and the other is in the Shukla Paksha after the new moon, known as Vinayak Chaturthi. There are around 12 to 13 Vinayak Chaturthis in a year. This festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm, especially in northern and southern states of India.