Mumbai: As devotees prepare to observe Sankashti Chaturthi in June 2025, it’s important to understand the key fasting rules that uphold the spiritual sanctity of this sacred day. A minor mistake can invalidate the fast and reduce the benefits associated with it. The vrat (fast) is considered complete only after viewing the moon and offering arghya (ritual water offering) to Chandra Dev (the Moon God). This symbolic act is believed to invite prosperity, peace, and divine grace into one’s life.

This month’s Sankashti Chaturthi falls during the Krishna Paksha (waning phase) of the Ashadha month. According to the Drik Panchang, the Chaturthi tithi begins on Saturday, 14 June 2025, at 3:46 PM and ends on Sunday, 15 June, at 3:51 PM. Based on Udaya Tithi (sunrise-based calculation), the vrat will be observed on Saturday, 14 June 2025.

What to do sankashti chaturthi fast

Devotees may consume a phalahar (fruit-based fast), which includes:

• Fresh fruits like apples, bananas, grapes, oranges, pomegranates, and papaya
• Dairy items such as milk, curd, buttermilk, plain paneer, and mawa
• Light dishes made with sabudana like khichdi, kheer, or vada (cooked in minimal oil)
• Foods Made With Kuttu Atta (Buckwheat Flour) Like Puris, Pakoras, or Cheelas Using Rock Salt (Sendha Namak)
• Preparations from singhare ka atta (water chestnut flour) like halwa, rotis or puris
• Boiled or roasted sweet potatoes, lightly roasted peanuts
• Coconut water, raw coconut, almonds, cashews, raisins, walnuts

Foods to Avoid During the Fast

The following items must be avoided to maintain the sanctity of the vrat:

• Grains like rice, wheat, pulses (moong, arhar, etc.), semolina (sooji), refined flour (maida)
• Regular salt—only use rock salt (sendha namak)
• Onion and garlic (considered tamasic)
• Non-vegetarian food and eggs
• Spices, alcohol, tobacco, and any form of intoxicants
• Oily, deep-fried, or heavy foods that disturb digestion

How to Perform the Sankashti Chaturthi Vrat

• Wake up early, bathe, and wear clean clothes.
• Clean your puja space and set up an idol or image of Lord Ganesha.
• Take a sankalp (vow) with water and flowers, expressing your intent to perform the fast.
• Chant either “Om gam ganapataye namah” or “Om Bhalachandraya Namah” throughout the day.
• Observe a nirjala (waterless) or phalahari fast, based on your strength and devotion.
• Maintain a calm, spiritual mindset, focusing your thoughts on Lord Ganesha.
• Bathe again before moonrise or purify yourself by washing your hands and feet.
• Offer a complete ritual to Lord Ganesha with durva grass (21 strands), red hibiscus, modak or laddoo, sesame treats, fruits, sandalwood, rice, incense, diya, and garlands.
• Recite the ganesh chalisa and listen to or read the krishna pingala sankashti chaturthi vrat katha.
• Chant “Om gam ganapataye namah” or “Om vakratundaya hum” 108 times and perform the aarti.

Offering Arghya to the Moon

As soon as the moon rises in your city, go to your rooftop or open area. In a clean vessel, mix pure water, raw milk, uncooked rice, and white flowers, and offer it as arghya while facing the moon. Recite your wish and chant either “Om Chandraya Namah” or “Om somaya namah”.

How to Break the Fast (Vrat Parana)

Only after offering arghya to the moon should you break your fast. Begin by consuming the modak or laddoo offered to Lord Ganesha. In some traditions, devotees break their fast with milk or sweet potatoes. Avoid items that were restricted during the fast. Opt for light, easily digestible food. Wear red or yellow clothes, as they are considered auspicious; avoid black. Do not offer tulsi leaves to Lord Ganesha. Maintain a peaceful mind—avoid arguments and negative thoughts. Donating food, clothes, or modaks to the needy is highly recommended.

By observing Sankashti Chaturthi with full devotion and following these prescribed rituals, devotees believe that Lord Ganesha removes all obstacles and showers his blessings for a happy, prosperous life.

(Disclaimer: The information provided is based on traditional beliefs and religious texts. News9 Live does not endorse or validate these claims.)