Sankashti Chaturthi 2025: Date, Time, Significance & Celebrations
Sankashti Chaturthi 2025. Sankatahara Chaturthi, or simply Sankashti, is a holy festival celebrated in honour of Lord Ganesh, the deity of removing obstacles by Hindus from across the world. Sankashti is observed every month on the 4th day of the waning of the moon’s cycle and is often associated with Sankashti Chaturthi. Etymologically, the word ‘Sankashti’ is derived from Sanskrit. ‘Chaturthi,’ on the other hand means ‘the fourth day of the month’ which.
Therefore as per the religious lore, this is the day Ganesha aids his followers in wishing and seeking material goals. He protected his followers who were oppressed by the two-spear generals during the siege on Mount Meru, by providing them with precise and reliable instructions. Throughout the world, devotees fast, pray on the Sankashti Chaturthi and follow prayers and rituals devoted to Lord Ganesh.
For the elaborate Dattatreya worship, Lord Dattatreya Ganapati is most often invoked. Specifically, when Sankashti Chaturthi falls on a Tuesday, it is Angarki Chaturthi and that is the best of all the Sankashti Chaturthi days. The next sankashti Chaturthi date is on: Friday, January 17, 2025. The tithi start date and time is 17th January 2025 at 4:06:00 AM and tithi end date and time is 18th January 2025 at 5:30:00 AM. In this blog, we will explore the different rituals, the festivals that happen monthly, and the various relevant characteristics that surround and define the day.
Sankashti Chaturthi 2025 Quick Info.
| Festival Name | Sankashti Chaturthi |
|---|---|
| Next Date | Friday, January 17, 2025 |
| Tithi Timing | Jan 17, 4:06 AM – Jan 18, 5:30 AM |
| Special Observance | Angarki Chaturthi (if on Tuesday) |
| Significance | Worship Lord Ganesha to remove obstacles |
| Observed In | India, especially Maharashtra and South India |
Sankashti Chaturthi: Rituals and Celebrations
Sankashti Chaturthi Sadhna
The most important element in Sankashti Chaturthi Sadhna is whole or partial fasting. Devotees undertake a vow of chorus or regular fasting whereby they diet on a limited number of allowed foods like peanuts, fruits, and sabudana khichdi. The fast is broken only after sighting the moon and puja is held in the evening.
Fasting comes in two forms:
- Nirjal Vrat: means a fast without water or even a morsel of food for an entire day.
- Phalahar Vrat: is a type of fasting that is partial. In this type, there is an allowance to eat fruits, milk, and limited vegetables.
The degree of self-discipline and self-mastery needed for fasting indicates the degree of love and faith the devotee has in Lord Ganesha and the problems that one hopes to resolve in both the physical and spiritual context.
2. Evening Puja Rituals
The evening puja is a sacred time when devotees worship Lord Ganesha with full devotion. Key rituals include:
- Decorating the Idol: The idol of Lord Ganesha is adorned with fresh flowers, Durva grass, and sandalwood paste.
- Lighting of Lamps: Oil lamps and incense sticks are lit to invoke the divine presence of Lord Ganesha.
- Offering Naivedya: Special offerings like modaks, ladoos, and other sweets are prepared as naivedya (offering).
- Moon Worship: Devotees offer water, flowers, rice, and sandalwood paste in the direction of the moon, symbolizing peace and prosperity.
- Recitation of Mantras: Devotees chant Vedic hymns such as:
- Ganesha Ashtothram
- Sankashtnashana Sthothra
- Vakratunda Mahakaya
Monthly Variations in Sankashti Chaturthi
Every month, Lord Ganesha is called by a distinct name and placed on a different peeta (seat) which is referred to as avariation meaning that he has several forms and therefore attracts people from all walks of life.
| Hindu Month | Name of Lord Ganesha | Peeta (Seat) |
|---|---|---|
| Chaitra | Vikata Maha Ganapati | Vinayaka Peeta |
| Vaishaka | Chanakra Raja Ekadanta Ganapati | Srichakra Peeta |
| Jeshta | Krishna Pingala Maha Ganapati | Sri Shakti Ganapati Peeta |
| Shravana | Heramba Maha Ganapati | Ganapati Peeta |
| Bhadrapada | Vignaraja Maha Ganapati | Vigneshwara Peeta |
| Ashweeja | Vakratunda Maha Ganapati | Bhuvaneshwari Peeta |
| Pushya | Lambodara Maha Ganapati | Soura Peeta |
| Palguna | Balachandra Maha Ganapati | Agama Peeta |
| Adika | Vibhuvana Palaka Maha Ganapati | Doorva Bilva Patra Peeta |
Each month’s vrat katha (story) has unique lessons and significance, adding depth to the festival’s spiritual essence.
Significance of Sankashti Chaturthi
- Remover of Obstacles: Lord Ganesha is revered as the remover of obstacles (Vighnaharta). Observing Sankashti Chaturthi is believed to help devotees overcome challenges in life.
- Fulfillment of Desires: Fasting and praying with devotion ensure the fulfillment of one’s wishes and aspirations.
- Prosperity and Wisdom: As the deity of wisdom and prosperity, Lord Ganesha bestows blessings for success in all endeavors.
- A Day for Spiritual Growth: By following the rituals, devotees strengthen their spiritual connection and purify their mind and soul.
Sankashti Chaturthi Dates in 2025
| Date | Day | Tithi Timing |
|---|---|---|
| January 17 | Friday | 4:06 AM – 5:30 AM (Next Day) |
| February 16 | Sunday | 11:52 PM (Previous Day) – 2:16 AM |
| March 18 | Tuesday | 7:33 PM (Previous Day) – 10:09 PM |
| April 16 | Wednesday | 1:17 PM – 3:23 PM (Next Day) |
| May 16 | Friday | 4:03 AM – 5:14 AM |
| June 14 | Saturday | 3:47 PM – 3:51 PM (Next Day) |
| July 14 | Monday | 1:03 AM – 12:00 AM (Next Day) |
(Refer to the Hindu Panchang for complete details.)
Related Read:- Republic Day 2025: History, Significance, Celebrations & More
Conclusion:
Sankashti Chaturthi is so much more than a worshipping day; it is a path of self-cleansing that enables one to move on from obstacles in life. It strengthens the bonds with one’s culture and teaches important values such as faith, discipline, and thankfulness. Be it fasting and performing the puja or just requesting Lord Ganesha’s blessings, this festival is worth it as there is immense spirituality in the whole process.
Getting back to focus, gather everything you need to get ready for the coming Sankashti Chaturthi, and pray to Ganesha in the best ways to serve one’s purpose of having a satisfying and prosperous life.
FAQs:
Sankashti Chaturthi is a Hindu festival celebrated on the fourth day of Krishna Paksha each month, dedicated to Lord Ganesha.
Devotees observe fasting, perform evening pujas, and offer prayers to Lord Ganesha, breaking their fast after moonrise.
When Sankashti Chaturthi falls on a Tuesday, it is called Angarki Chaturthi and is considered the most auspicious.
Fasting and worship on this day bring prosperity, wisdom, and relief from life’s challenges.
Yes, anyone can observe this festival by following the rituals with devotion and sincerity.
