Sankashti Chaturthi is the 4th day of the waning lunar phase after the full moon. If this Chaturthi falls on a Tuesday it is called Angarki Chaturthi. On this day, the devotees observe strict fast. They break the fast at night after having darshan/auspicious sight of the moon preceded by prayers to Lord Ganesha. The Angarki Chaturthi (angarak in Sanskrit means red like burning coal ambers) Devotees believe their wishes would be fulfilled if they pray on this auspicious day. Also Sankashti means deliverance during troubled times, hence observing this fast is believed to reduce your problems as Lord Ganesha symbolizes the remover of all obstacles and supreme lord of intelligence. Before moonlight the Ganapati Atharvashesha is recited to summon the blessings of Lord Ganesha.
During each month, Lord Ganesha is worshiped with a different name and peeta (Lotus petals). On the Charturti day (4th day after new moon) of each month, the 'Sankashta Ganapathi Pooja' prayer is performed. Each ‘Vratha’ (strict fast) has a purpose and is explained to us by a story known as the ‘Vratha Katha’. This prayer offering has 13 Vratha Kathas, one for each month and the 13th story is for 'athika' (The Hindu calendar has one extra month every 4 years). The uniqueness of this Vratha is that the story pertaining to that month alone has to be recited.
The Sankasta Ganapathi Pooja - 13 Names and Peetas
Vinayak Chaturthi is the Chaturthi after Amavasya or new moon. Devotees observe the fast for full day and night and meal is consumed the next day.
This fast is mostly observed in Western and Southern India especially by the Brahmin community (Mostly smartha or shaiva). The fast is supposed to be strict and only fruit, roots or vegetable products are supposed to be consumed.
Angarki Sankashti ChaturthiIs the 4th day of the waning lunar phase after the full moon.coming on Tuesday.
Ganesh Chaturthi is one of prominent Chaturthi on which Lord Ganesha makes his presence on the earth.
Magha shukla chaturthi: Ganesh Jayanti
Samvatsari (Kshamavani), falls on Shukla Paksha Bhadrapad.
