Sankashti Chaturthi Vrat: Sankashti Chaturthi is a popular festival in Hindu religion. In Hindu religion, worship of Lord Ganesha is considered necessary before doing any auspicious work. Lord Ganesha is revered as the main deity among all the gods and goddesses. Various vows and fasts are observed to please the Gods and Goddesses. Sankashti Chaturthi fast dedicated to Lord Ganesha is prevalent. Chaturthi comes twice a month.
Sankashti Chaturthi is considered a special day for the worship of Lord Ganesha. Sankashti Chaturthi of this month will be celebrated on 30th November. The word ‘Sankashti Chaturthi’ means the fourth day which removes obstacles. It is believed that worshiping Lord Ganesha on this day provides relief from all kinds of troubles. On the day of Chaturthi, it is advised to keep fast from sunrise to moonrise.
Sankashti Chaturthi Puja Method:
To get the blessings of Lord Ganesha on Sankashti Chaturthi, wake up before sunrise, take bath and take a pledge to fast. Wearing red colored clothes on this day is considered very auspicious. After wearing clean clothes, start worshiping Lord Ganesha. During the puja, the face of the worshiper should be towards east or north. Decorate the idol of Lord Ganesha with flowers. Prasad during the puja includes sesame seeds, jaggery, laddus, flowers, water in a copper vessel, incense, sandalwood and fruits like banana or coconut.
Sankashta Chaturthi and its effects:
It is considered highly auspicious to keep the idol or image of Goddess Durga near the idol of Lord Ganesha during the puja. Apply red vermillion to Lord Ganesha, offer flowers and perform aarti. Sankashti’s offerings are laddus and modaks. Chant the mantra of Lord Ganesha. Those observing fast should eat only fruits, peanuts, kheer, milk or sago after the puja. In the evening, before moonrise, worship Lord Ganesha and recite Sankashti Vrat Katha. This fast is broken after seeing the moon at night.
Importance of Sankashti Chaturthi:
It is believed that worshiping Lord Ganesha on the day of Sankashti Chaturthi removes negative effects from the house and maintains peace. It is said that Lord Ganesha removes all adversities and fulfills the wishes of the devotee. Seeing the moon on this day is considered auspicious. The fast ends after sunrise and after moonrise.