Sankashti Chaturthi 2023: Dates and Significance
As per the Hindu lunar calendar, Sankashti Chaturthi is a significant fasting day dedicated to Lord Ganesha, also known as Ganapati, Vinayaka, or Vighnaharta. This day falls on the fourth day (Chaturthi) of the Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the moon) in every Hindu month. However, Sankashti Chaturthi which falls in the month of Magha is considered highly auspicious and holds special significance.
Dates of Sankashti Chaturthi in 2023:
In the year 2023, Sankashti Chaturthi will be observed on the following days:
- January 6, 2023 (Friday): This will be the first Sankashti Chaturthi of the year 2023.
- February 4, 2023 (Saturday): The second Sankashti Chaturthi of the year.
- March 7, 2023 (Tuesday): The third Sankashti Chaturthi of the year.
- April 6, 2023 (Thursday): The fourth Sankashti Chaturthi of the year.
- May 5, 2023 (Friday): The fifth Sankashti Chaturthi of the year.
- June 3, 2023 (Saturday): The sixth Sankashti Chaturthi of the year.
- July 3, 2023 (Monday): The seventh Sankashti Chaturthi of the year.
- August 1, 2023 (Tuesday): The eighth Sankashti Chaturthi of the year.
- August 31, 2023 (Thursday): The ninth Sankashti Chaturthi of the year.
- September 30, 2023 (Saturday): The tenth Sankashti Chaturthi of the year.
- October 30, 2023 (Monday): The eleventh Sankashti Chaturthi of the year.
- November 28, 2023 (Tuesday): The twelfth Sankashti Chaturthi of the year.
- December 28, 2023 (Thursday): The thirteenth Sankashti Chaturthi of the year.
Significance of Sankashti Chaturthi:
1. Ganesh Puja:
Sankashti Chaturthi is observed to seek the blessings of Lord Ganesha. Devotees across the country perform special pujas and rituals dedicated to Lord Ganesha on this day, seeking his blessings for prosperity, success, and the removal of obstacles.
2. Fasting:
Devotees observe a strict fasting on Sankashti Chaturthi from sunrise to moonrise as a mark of devotion. The fast is broken only after sighting the moon in the evening and performing the necessary rituals.
3. Moon Worship:
After sighting the moon in the evening, devotees offer prayers and offerings to the moon god as a part of the Sankashti Chaturthi rituals. Moon worship is considered auspicious on this day.
4. Benefits:
It is believed that observing Sankashti Chaturthi fast and performing the associated pujas and rituals can bring about various benefits such as the removal of obstacles, fulfillment of desires, and overall prosperity in life.
Fasting Rules for Sankashti Chaturthi:
- The fasting for Sankashti Chaturthi begins at sunrise and ends after sighting the moon in the evening.
- Only one meal is allowed during the fasting period, and it is consumed before noon.
- Vrat food like modak, laddu, coconut, and banana are considered auspicious for the Sankashti Chaturthi fast.
- Some devotees observe a nirjala fast (fasting without water) for added spiritual benefits.
Sankashti Chaturthi Vrat Katha:
Sankashti Chaturthi Vrat Katha is a story that narrates the significance of observing the Sankashti Chaturthi fast. It is believed that listening to or reciting the Vrat Katha on this day can bring about divine blessings and fulfill the wishes of the devotees.
Sankashti Chaturthi Puja Vidhi:
1. Sankashti Chaturthi Puja Items:
- Lord Ganesha idol or image
- Incense sticks, diyas, and camphor
- Fresh flowers and durva grass
- Coconut, modak, and other sweets for offerings
2. Puja Procedure:
- Bathe and wear clean clothes before starting the puja.
- Place the idol or image of Lord Ganesha on a clean platform.
- Light the diya and incense sticks.
- Offer flowers and durva grass to Lord Ganesha.
- Chant Ganesha mantras and stotras during the puja.
- Offer coconut, modak, and other sweets to Lord Ganesha.
- Conclude the puja with aarti and prasad distribution.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Sankashti Chaturthi:
1. What is the significance of Sankashti Chaturthi?
Sankashti Chaturthi is considered auspicious for seeking the blessings of Lord Ganesha and removing obstacles from one’s life.
2. How is Sankashti Chaturthi celebrated?
Devotees observe a strict fast, perform pujas and rituals dedicated to Lord Ganesha, and offer prayers and offerings to the moon god on Sankashti Chaturthi.
3. Can anyone observe the fast on Sankashti Chaturthi?
Yes, anyone can observe the Sankashti Chaturthi fast, irrespective of age or gender, with devotion and sincerity.
4. What are the benefits of observing Sankashti Chaturthi fast?
Observing the fast on Sankashti Chaturthi is believed to bring about benefits such as the removal of obstacles, fulfillment of desires, and overall prosperity in life.
5. Is there a specific time for breaking the fast on Sankashti Chaturthi?
The Sankashti Chaturthi fast is broken only after sighting the moon in the evening, which marks the end of the fasting period.
Conclusion:
Sankashti Chaturthi is a sacred day dedicated to Lord Ganesha, symbolizing the removal of obstacles and the fulfillment of desires. Observing the fast, performing puja rituals, and seeking the blessings of the elephant-headed deity are considered auspicious on this day. The dates mentioned for Sankashti Chaturthi in 2023 provide an opportunity for devotees to deepen their spiritual practices and connect with the divine.
