Sankashti Chaturthi or Ganesha Chaturthi is one of the auspicious days where Lord Ganesha is being worshipped. Sankashti Chaturthi is observed on the fourth day of second fortnight according to Hindu Lunar calendar. If the Sankashti Chaturthi falls on Tuesday, then it is known as Angaraki Chaturthi. Angaraki is also referred to as planet Mars. On this day people keep strict fast and break it in the night after having the darshan of moon which is preceded by the Aarti of Lord Ganesha. It is believed that all the desires of the devotees are fulfilled. Sankashti means deliverance during the troubled times hence observing the fast reduces the obstacles from the life as Lord Ganesha is considered to be supreme lord of intelligence and the god of Vighnaharta.

The main Sankashti Chaturthi Pooja is performed during the evening. The pooja starts after sighting the moon. If the moon is not sighted, pooja is performed according to the moonrise time given in Panchang. The idol of Lord Ganesha is decorated using flowers and Durva grass. Ganesha is being offered with coconut, banana and modak so that it can be distributed as Prasad to all the devotees. Prayers and mantras are being recited in devotion to Lord Ganesha. After the pooja of Lord Ganesha moon is worshipped by sprinkling water, flowers and sandalwood paste.

The main significance of Sankashti Chaturthi Pooja is during the moonlight which completes the day of Chaturthi pooja. The couples who wish to do this pooja should take the firm resolution that they will observe this Vrata for one year, after taking the head bath and worshipping to lord Ganesha. The fast is kept for whole day and Ganesha is being worshipped after the moonrise in the evening with Modak, Durva grass and Shwetaarka flower to seek his blessings. The significance of this day can be found in two Puranas- Bhavishya Purana and Narasimha Purana. The couples keep this fast to get blessed with the progeny so that their family can grow.

Sankashti Chaturthi Pooja in 2023

10 January Tuesday Angarki Chaturthi

09 February Thursday Sankashti Chaturthi

11 March Saturday Sankashti Chaturthi

09 April Sunday Sankashti Chaturthi

08 May Monday Sankashti Chaturthi

07 June Wednesday Sankashti Chaturthi

06 July Thursday Sankashti Chaturthi

04 August        Friday Sankashti Chaturthi

03 September Sunday Sankashti Chaturthi

02 October Monday Sankashti Chaturthi

01 November Wednesday Sankashti Chaturthi

30 November Thursday Sankashti Chaturthi

30 December Saturday Sankashti Chaturthi

The main benefit of this pooja brings happiness and material progress in the life of an individual. Lord Ganesha fulfils the desires of his devotes if the meditation to Lord is done with pure mind.