Sankashti Chaturthi meaning
The term Sankashti meaning is 'deliverance from difficulties' and it is believed that Lord Ganesha can provide relief from all obstacles and troubles. Therefore, Sankashti Chaturthi means the fourth day of the lunar calendar which delivers people from difficulties. The fast is observed from sunrise to moonrise and devotees break the fast with a meal after offering prayers to the Lord. On this day, Lord Ganesha is worshipped in the form of the 'Sankashti Vinayak' which is considered to be an incarnation of the Lord who can help overcome all obstacles.
Moreover, Sankashti Chaturthi is also known as lambodara sankashti chaturthi as this day is dedicated to Lord Ganesha who is also known as Lambodar and Vinayak. One of the key rituals of the Sankashti Chaturthi is the 'Ganapati Sankashti Chaturthi Vrat Katha' which is a narrative that explains the story of Lord Ganesha and his ability to remove obstacles and grant blessings. The story is recited during the evening puja, followed by the offering of sweets and fruits to the Lord Ganesha.
In addition to the puja, devotees also participate in the 'Modaka Habba' which is a festival of sweets where Modak, a sweet dumpling filled with jaggery and coconut, is offered to Lord Ganesha. This sweet is considered to be Lord Ganesha's favourite and is made in large quantities for the festival.
The Sankashti Chaturthi is also a time for charity and acts of kindness. Devotees offer food and clothes to the less fortunate and engage in other charitable activities as a way of seeking blessings from the Lord Ganesha.
Sankashti Chaturthi - Significance, Importance and Rituals
The festival of Sankashti Chaturthi is a celebration that is dedicated to Lord Ganesha. It holds utmost importance in the Hindu culture. In the year 2023 it will be observed for a total of 13 times. The devotees observe a fast on this auspicious day and pray and worship Lord Ganesha. There are ideally two types of fasts that people observe on this day, these include a full fast or a partial fast. In a partial fast people are allowed to eat certain food items. These items include the following:
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Peanuts
- Milk
- Curd
- Sabudana khichdi
- Roots of plants
This festival is considered to be one of the most important festivals in Hindu culture. Moreover, there is also a proper sankashti chaturthi vrat vidhi than an individual observing a fast must follow, thi is as follows:
- An individual must wake up early and declare that they will be observing a fast on this day
- A morning pooja is done which include worshipping Lord Ganesha along with couple of his favourite items which include - Ladoos, Modaks, Fruits, and Flowers
- The devotees visit the temple in the evening in order to gather and to sing and dance as an expression of their happiness and joy.
- Moreover, in the evening the devotees recite and listen to the Vrat katha either in the temple itself or at their houses.
- This is then followed by an evening pooja in which people offer the prepared food to Lord Ganesha and then serve it in the household as a form of prasad.
Sankashti Chaturthi Dates 2023
Mentioned below are the days on which the festival of Sankashti Chaturthi will be observed. These are as follows:
- Sankashthi Chaturthi January 2023
- 11 January, 2023 (Wednesday)
- Sankashthi Chaturthi February 2023
- 09 February, 2023 (Thursday)
- Sankashthi Chaturthi March 2023
- 11 March, 2023 (Saturday)
- Sankashthi Chaturthi April 2023
- 09 April, 2023 (Sunday)
- Sankashthi Chaturthi May 2023
- 09 May, 2023 (Tuesday)
- Sankashthi Chaturthi June 2023
- 07 June, 2023 (Wednesday)
- Sankashthi Chaturthi July 2023
- 06 July, 2023 (Thursday)
- Sankashthi Chaturthi August 2023
- 04 August, 2023 (Friday)
- Sankashthi Chaturthi September 2023
- 03 September, 2023 (Sunday)
- Sankashthi Chaturthi October 2023
- 02 October, 2023 (Monday)
- Sankashthi Chaturthi November 2023
- 01 November, 2023 (Wednesday)
- Sankashthi Chaturthi December 2023
- 01 December, 2023 (Friday)
- 31 December, 2023(Sunday)
Thus, the Sankashti Chaturthi is an important festival in the Hindu religion, particularly for followers of Lord Ganesha. It is a day of fasting, prayer, and charity, and provides an opportunity for devotees to seek the blessings of the Lord and overcome obstacles in their lives.