Mumbai: In Hindu tradition, Sankashti Chaturthi holds immense spiritual significance. Observed in honour of Lord Ganesha—the remover of obstacles—this vrat (fast) is primarily kept by married women praying for the long life of their children and the overall well-being of their families. It is believed that observing this fast with full devotion and rituals helps ward off life’s challenges and attracts peace and prosperity into one’s home.

This sacred day falls on the Krishna Paksha Chaturthi of the Ashadha month every year. In 2025, the Sankashti Chaturthi vrat, also known as Krishna Pingala Sankashti Chaturthi, will begin on Saturday, 14 June at 3:46 PM and conclude on Sunday, 15 June at 3:51 PM, as per the Hindu Panchang. However, since moonrise occurs on the night of 14 June at 10:07 PM, devotees will observe the fast on this day. The fast concludes with Chandra Darshan—a crucial ritual of sighting and offering prayers to the Moon.

How to observe Sankashti Chaturthi Vrat

On the day of sankashti chaturthi:

• Wake up early, bathe and wear clean clothes.
• Clean the puja area and set up an idol or photo of Lord Ganesha.
• Take a vow with water and flowers, stating that you’re undertaking the vrat for wish fulfilment.
• Chant mantras like “Om gam ganapataye namah” or “Om Bhalachandraya Namah”.
• Based on your capacity, keep a nirjala (without water) or phalahari (fruit-based) fast.
• Maintain mental peace, remember Lord Ganesha throughout the day, and stay positive.
• At Pradosh Kaal or just before moonrise, bathe again or cleanse hands and feet and perform detailed puja.
• Offer water, durva grass (21 blades), red flowers (especially hibiscus), modak or sesame laddoos, fruits, sandal paste, sacred rice (akshat), incense, lamp, and garland to Lord Ganesha.
• Recite the ganesh chalisa, read or listen to the sankashti chaturthi vrat katha, and chant ”Om gam ganapataye namah” or “Om vakratundaya hum” 108 times.

Chandra Darshan and Arghya (Offering to the Moon)

After moonrise:

• Step onto the terrace or an open space.
• Take a clean vessel (lota) with pure water, raw milk, rice (akshat), and white flowers.
• Offer it to the Moon while reciting “Om Chandraya Namah” or “Om somaya namah”.
• Express your wishes and bow to the Moon.
• The vrat is considered incomplete without this offering and moon-sighting.

Breaking the Fast (Vrat Parana)

• The fast is broken only after the Chandra Arghya.
• Partake in the modak or til-laddoo offered to Lord Ganesha.
• In some traditions, the fast is broken with milk and boiled sweet potatoes.
• Consume light, satvik food only—avoid foods that were restricted during the fast.

Important Dos and Don’ts

During the fast, women should consume only:

Fruits, milk, yoghurt, buttermilk, paneer, sago (sabudana), buckwheat or water chestnut flour, sweet potatoes, peanuts, coconut, dry fruits, and sendha namak (rock salt).

Avoid:

Grains (rice, wheat, lentils), table salt, turmeric, red chilli, garam masala, onion, garlic, non-vegetarian food, eggs, alcohol, tobacco, and fried or heavy foods.

Dress Code:

Do not wear black. Yellow or red clothing is considered auspicious.

Never offer tulsi leaves to Lord Ganesha.

General Guidance:

Avoid arguments, negativity, or impure thoughts.

Donate as per your means to invoke blessings.

By observing this vrat with sincerity and adhering to the rituals, one is believed to receive Lord Ganesha’s grace, removing all obstacles and ushering in prosperity.

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