Sankashti Chaturthi 2020: Importance, Shubh Mahurat and Pooja Vidhi

While Sankashti Chaturthi fasting is observed every month, according to Purnimant School, the most significant Sankashti Chaturthi falls in month of Magha and according to Amavasyant School in the month of Paush.

In the Hindu calendar, each lunar month has two Chaturthi Tithis.

 The one falls after Purnimasi or full moon during Krishna Paksha, and it is known as Sankashti Chaturthi.

 The other one falls after Amavasya or new moon during Shukla Paksha, which is known as Vinayaka Chaturthi.

If Sankashti Chaturthi falls on Tuesday, it is known as Angarki Chaturthi and is considered to be very auspicious. Sankashti Chaturthi fast is observed mostly in Western and Southern India mainly in Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu.

Shubh Mahurat of Sankashti Chaturthi

Chaturthi Beginning Time: 2:52 am, February 12, 2020

Chaturthi Ending Time: 11:39 pm, February 12, 2020

Pooja Vidhi of Sankashti Chaturthi

Devotees on this day wake up early in the morning, take a bath and pray Lord Ganesha facing towards East direction. They give bath to Ganesha idol with sesame added water, which is considered very auspicious. After which they observe fast for Lord Ganesha.

Importance of Sankashti Chaturthi Vrat

On Sankashti Chaturthi Lord Ganesha Devotees observe fast from sunrise to moonrise. Sankashti means liberation during troubled times. Lord Ganesha symbolises rescuer of all problems and the lord of intelligence. So it is believed that by observing this fast one can get rid of all obstacles.

The fast is strict and only fruit, roots and vegetable products are allowed to be consumed. The essential Indian diet on Sankashti Chaturthi includes Sabudana Khichadi, potato and peanuts. At night after the sighting of the moon devotees break the fast.

Sankashti Chaturthi in North India during Magha month is called as Sakat Chauth. Vinayaka Chaturthi during Bhadrapada month is known as Ganesha Chaturthi. Ganesha Chaturthi, the birthday of Lord Ganesha is celebrated by Hindus worldwide.

Among Tamil Hindus, Sankashti Chaturthi is also known as Ganesh Sankatahara or Sankatahara Chaturthi.