Sankashti Chaturthi 2024: Vrat Date, Puja Rituals, and Spiritual Significance

Sankashti Chaturthi is a Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Ganesha. It falls on the fourth day of the Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the moon) each month. Devotees observe a fast (vrat) and perform special prayers to remove obstacles from their lives and seek blessings from Lord Ganesha.

Date and Time for Sankashti Chaturthi 2024

Date: Saturday, September 21, 2024
Puja Time: 9:15 PM on September 20 and ends at 6:13 PM on September 21 (as per local sunrise and moonrise times)

Devotees often refer to local panchang or calendars to check the exact moonrise time for conducting the puja.

Puja Rituals for Sankashti Chaturthi

• Early Morning Bath: Devotees take a bath early in the morning and wear clean, traditional clothes.
• Fasting: A strict fast is observed, often without consuming food until moonrise. Some people may consume fruits and milk during the day.
• Lord Ganesha Puja: The puja involves offering modak (a sweet treat), durva grass, and red flowers to Lord Ganesha. Reciting the Ganesha Aarti and chanting specific mantras are key parts of the ritual.
• Moonrise Puja: The fast is typically broken after sighting the moon. Prayers are then offered to the moon, seeking blessings for prosperity and the removal of obstacles.

Health Benefits of Fasting on Sankashti Chaturthi

• Improved Digestion: Fasting gives the digestive system time to rest, improving gut health.
• Detoxification: The body cleanses itself during fasting, helping remove toxins and improving metabolism.
• Mental Clarity: Fasting can enhance concentration and self-discipline, which helps in calming the mind.

Spiritual Significance

Sankashti Chaturthi holds deep spiritual meaning for Hindus. Lord Ganesha is known as the remover of obstacles (Vighnaharta). Observing the vrat with devotion is believed to invite divine blessings, bring success in endeavors, and lead to a peaceful life.

Astrological Impact

• Positive: Worshiping Lord Ganesha during this time is considered auspicious for overcoming planetary obstacles in your life, especially those caused by malefic planets like Saturn.
• Negative: If the puja is not performed correctly, or if you are not sincere in your fasting and prayers, some believe it could lead to delayed results or obstacles in life.

Important Dates for Sankashti Chaturthi in 2024

Astrology and Spiritual Significance

From a spiritual perspective, Sankashti Chaturthi is considered an important day to neutralize the negative effects of certain planets in your birth chart. People who face challenges in their career, health, or personal life often perform the puja to reduce these obstacles.

Astrologically, the alignment of the moon on Chaturthi is believed to enhance spiritual growth and help seekers remove karma-related hurdles.

Extra Information

1. Mythological Story: According to Hindu mythology, Lord Ganesha once saved the gods from demons by removing their obstacles. This is why He is worshipped as the remover of difficulties.

2. Foods to Eat During Vrat:

   • Fruits like bananas and apples
   • Milk and milk products
   • Sabudana (tapioca) dishes

3. What Not to Do:

   • Avoid consuming meat, onions, and garlic.
   • Avoid negative thoughts or actions.

By observing Sankashti Chaturthi with full devotion, devotees can experience spiritual growth, physical well-being, and prosperity in life.