Sankashti Chaturthi 2024: Date, Significance, and Rituals

Sankashti Chaturthi 2024: Date, Significance, and Rituals

Sankashti Chaturthi is an important Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, and is observed on the fourth day of the Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the moon) every month. However, the Sankashti Chaturthi that falls in the Hindu month of Magha (January-February) is considered highly auspicious and is known as Magha Krishna Chaturthi. In 2024, this special Sankashti Chaturthi falls on Friday, the 9th of February.

Significance of Sankashti Chaturthi:

Sankashti Chaturthi is believed to be an ideal day to worship Lord Ganesha and seek his blessings for prosperity, success, and the removal of obstacles from one’s life. Devotees observe this fast with utmost devotion and dedication to receive the abundant grace of Lord Ganesha. It is also an occasion for spiritual growth and inner transformation.

Rituals of Sankashti Chaturthi:

1. Worship Lord Ganesha: Devotees wake up early, take a shower, and prepare for the day’s rituals by cleaning the altar and decorating it with flowers.
2. Observing Fast: Devotees fast from sunrise to moonrise, abstaining from consuming food and water during this period.
3. Chanting Mantras: Reciting Ganesha mantras and prayers throughout the day is considered auspicious.
4. Performing Puja: A special puja is conducted during the evening, where Lord Ganesha is worshipped with incense, flowers, durva grass, and modak (a sweet delicacy loved by Lord Ganesha).
5. Moonrise Darshan: The fast is concluded after sighting the moon. Devotees offer prayers to the moon god Chandra and break their fast by consuming prasad.

Benefits of Observing Sankashti Chaturthi Vrat:

• Removal of Obstacles: Worshipping Lord Ganesha on Sankashti Chaturthi is believed to remove all types of obstacles from one’s life.
• Prosperity: It is said that observing this vrat with devotion can bring prosperity and success into one’s life.
• Spiritual Growth: Sankashti Chaturthi vrat is also considered beneficial for one’s spiritual growth and inner peace.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):

1. What is the significance of Sankashti Chaturthi?

2. Sankashti Chaturthi is dedicated to Lord Ganesha and is observed to seek his blessings for the removal of obstacles and for prosperity.

3. Can anyone observe Sankashti Chaturthi vrat?

4. Yes, Sankashti Chaturthi vrat can be observed by anyone who wishes to seek the blessings of Lord Ganesha.

5. What is the significance of fasting on Sankashti Chaturthi?

6. Fasting on Sankashti Chaturthi is considered auspicious and is believed to bring prosperity and success.

7. How is Sankashti Chaturthi celebrated?

8. Sankashti Chaturthi is celebrated by worshipping Lord Ganesha, observing a fast, chanting mantras, and performing puja rituals.

9. What are the benefits of observing Sankashti Chaturthi vrat?

10. Observing Sankashti Chaturthi vrat is believed to bring about the removal of obstacles, prosperity, and spiritual growth.

By observing Sankashti Chaturthi with devotion and sincerity, devotees seek the blessings of Lord Ganesha for a fulfilling and prosperous life. It is a time to connect with the divine, seek inner strength, and find solace in the grace of the beloved elephant-headed deity.