Know what is Sankashta Chaturthi , why its celebrated every month

Sankashta Chaturthi, also known as Sankatahara Chaturthi, is a significant Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Ganesha. The term "Sankashti" means "deliverance from difficulties," and it is believed that Lord Ganesha can provide relief from all obstacles and troubles. Devotees observe a strict fast and pray to Lord Ganesha to seek his blessings for removing obstacles and granting wisdom and prosperity.

The origins of Sankashta Chaturthi date back to around 700 BC. It is said to have started as an obstacle removal ritual, as mentioned by Abhisheka Maharishi while tutoring his pupil Aishwarya. Over time, it became a widely observed festival among Hindus, especially in Western India, particularly in the state of Maharashtra.

According to Hindu mythology, Sankashta Chaturthi is a day when Lord Shiva declared his son, Lord Ganesha, as the supreme god and the leader of his army. This declaration is celebrated by devotees who worship Lord Ganesha to seek his blessings and protection from all difficulties.

Sankashta Chaturthi is celebrated on the fourth day (Chaturthi) of the waning moon (Krishna Paksha) in every lunar month of the Hindu calendar. If this Chaturthi falls on a Tuesday, it is called Angaraki Sankashta Chaturthi, which is considered highly sacred.Sankashta Chaturthi is observed every month because it aligns with the lunar calendar, specifically the fourth day (Chaturthi) of the waning moon (Krishna Paksha). This regular observance allows devotees to consistently seek the blessings of Lord Ganesha, who is revered as the remover of obstacles and the harbinger of wisdom and prosperity.

Reasons for Monthly Observance:
By observing Sankashta Chaturthi every month, devotees maintain a consistent spiritual discipline, which helps in reinforcing their faith and devotion. Monthly observance provides an opportunity to regularly seek Lord Ganesha's blessings for overcoming life's obstacles and challenges, fostering a continuous connection with the divine.The lunar calendar plays a significant role in Hindu rituals and festivals. Observing Sankashta Chaturthi according to the moon's phases ensures that the rituals are in harmony with natural cycles, believed to enhance their spiritual efficacy.Each month's Sankashta Chaturthi is seen as a time for spiritual renewal and purification. Fasting and praying to Lord Ganesha help devotees cleanse their minds and bodies, preparing them for the upcoming month. By observing Sankashta Chaturthi every month, devotees can continuously strive for spiritual growth, seek divine guidance, and cultivate a sense of inner peace and resilience.


The celebration of Sankashta Chaturthi involves several rituals and practices:

• Fasting  : Devotees observe a strict fast from sunrise to moonrise. The fast is broken after offering prayers to Lord Ganesha and sighting the moon.
• Ganapati Atharvasheersha  : Before moonlight, the Ganapati Atharvasheersha is recited to invoke the blessings of Lord Ganesha.
• Ganapati Sankashti Chaturthi Vrat Katha  : A narrative explaining the story of Lord Ganesha and his ability to remove obstacles is recited during the evening puja.
• Offerings  : Devotees offer sweets like Modak (a sweet dumpling filled with jaggery and coconut), which is considered Lord Ganesha's favorite.
• Charity  : Acts of kindness and charity are performed, such as offering food and clothes to the less fortunate.

Sankashta Chaturthi is a day of devotion, reflection, and seeking blessings from Lord Ganesha to overcome life's challenges and achieve success and happiness.