Sankashti Chaturthi 2023: Dates and Significance

Introduction

Sankashti Chaturthi is a widely celebrated Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, and is observed on the fourth day of the waning phase of the moon known as Chaturthi. The festival holds special significance for Ganesha devotees who observe fasts and perform prayers to seek the blessings of the elephant-headed deity for removing hurdles and bringing prosperity into their lives. In 2023, Sankashti Chaturthi falls on the following dates:

Sankashti Chaturthi 2023 Dates

1. January 8, 2023 (Sunday): This is the first Sankashti Chaturthi of the year 2023 and holds immense importance for the devotees seeking to start the year on an auspicious note by seeking Lord Ganesha’s blessings.

2. February 7, 2023 (Tuesday): The second Sankashti Chaturthi of the year is another opportunity for devotees to offer prayers and observe fasts to seek prosperity and success.

3. March 9, 2023 (Thursday): This Chaturthi falls in the month of March and is considered highly auspicious for performing Ganesh Puja and seeking his blessings.

4. April 8, 2023 (Saturday): A significant Chaturthi falling in April, providing devotees with another chance to enhance their spiritual connection with Lord Ganesha.

5. May 8, 2023 (Monday): The May Sankashti Chaturthi marks the fifth Chaturthi of the year and is a vital day for Ganesha devotees to offer their prayers.

6. June 7, 2023 (Wednesday): The month of June witnesses the sixth Sankashti Chaturthi, providing devotees another opportunity to seek the blessings of Lord Ganesha.

7. July 6, 2023 (Thursday): The July Sankashti Chaturthi is the seventh Chaturthi of the year and is considered highly auspicious for seeking the grace of Lord Ganesha.

8. August 5, 2023 (Saturday): A significant day for devotees to perform special rituals dedicated to Lord Ganesha and seek his divine blessings.

9. September 4, 2023 (Monday): The Chaturthi falling in September is another important day for Ganesha devotees to observe fasts and offer prayers.

10. October 4, 2023 (Wednesday): This Chaturthi falls in the month of October and holds cultural and spiritual significance within Hindu traditions.

11. November 2, 2023 (Thursday): The November Sankashti Chaturthi is another occasion for devotees to seek prosperity and well-being through prayers to Lord Ganesha.

12. December 2, 2023 (Saturday): The final Sankashti Chaturthi of the year provides devotees with the opportunity to conclude the year on a spiritually enriching note.

Significance of Sankashti Chaturthi

Sankashti Chaturthi holds immense significance in Hindu culture and tradition. The word “Sankashti” is derived from “Sankat,” which means difficulties or problems, and “Chaturthi” refers to the fourth day of the lunar month. Therefore, Sankashti Chaturthi is observed to seek the blessings of Lord Ganesha to overcome obstacles and challenges in life. The festival is celebrated with great devotion and fervor across India and by Hindus worldwide.

Rituals and Observances

1. Fasting: Devotees observing Sankashti Chaturthi fast from sunrise to moonrise, breaking their fast only after sighting the moon. Some devotees opt for a complete fast, while others consume fruits and milk during the fasting period.

2. Puja and Prayers: Special prayers and rituals are performed to honor Lord Ganesha on Sankashti Chaturthi. Devotees visit temples dedicated to Ganesha or perform Puja at home, offering modak, durva grass, and other favorite sweets of Lord Ganesha.

3. Moon Sighting: The fast is concluded after sighting the moon in the evening. Devotees break their fast by consuming water, followed by a meal.

4. Chanting of Mantras: Devotees chant Ganesha Mantras such as “Om Gan Ganpataye Namah” and recite the Ganesha Atharvashirsha during the day to seek the blessings of Lord Ganesha.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. What is the significance of Sankashti Chaturthi?
   Sankashti Chaturthi is observed to seek the blessings of Lord Ganesha to overcome obstacles and challenges in life. Devotees fast and perform prayers to receive prosperity and success.

2. How is Sankashti Chaturthi celebrated?
   Devotees observe fasts, perform Puja, offer prayers to Lord Ganesha, chant mantras, visit temples, and break their fast after sighting the moon.

3. Why is moon sighting important on Sankashti Chaturthi?
   Moon sighting marks the conclusion of the fast on Sankashti Chaturthi. Devotees break their fast only after seeing the moon in the evening sky.

4. What are the common rituals followed on Sankashti Chaturthi?
   Fasting from sunrise to moonrise, performing Puja, offering modak and durva grass to Lord Ganesha, chanting mantras, and seeking divine blessings are common rituals observed on Sankashti Chaturthi.

5. Can anyone observe Sankashti Chaturthi fast?
   Yes, devotees of all ages and backgrounds can observe Sankashti Chaturthi fasts and seek the blessings of Lord Ganesha for prosperity, success, and obstacle removal.

6. Are there specific mantras to chant on Sankashti Chaturthi?
   Yes, devotees often chant Ganesha Mantras like “Om Gan Ganpataye Namah” and recite the Ganesha Atharvashirsha to invoke the blessings of Lord Ganesha on Sankashti Chaturthi.

7. How does Sankashti Chaturthi differ from Vinayaka Chaturthi?
   Sankashti Chaturthi occurs every lunar month, whereas Vinayaka Chaturthi, also known as Ganesh Chaturthi, is a grand annual festival celebrated extensively across India for several days.

8. Can pregnant women observe Sankashti Chaturthi fast?
   Pregnant women or individuals with health conditions should consult their healthcare provider before observing fasts on Sankashti Chaturthi to ensure their well-being and safety.

9. Are there any specific offerings that can be made to Lord Ganesha on Sankashti Chaturthi?
   Devotees often offer modak, laddoos, durva grass, hibiscus flowers, and other favorite sweets and items of Lord Ganesha during Puja and prayers on Sankashti Chaturthi.

10. What are the benefits of observing Sankashti Chaturthi fasts regularly?
    Regular observance of Sankashti Chaturthi fasts is believed to bring prosperity, success, removal of obstacles, spiritual growth, and overall well-being in the lives of devotees.