A monthly fasting day dedicated to Lord Ganesha, observed on the fourth day after the full moon.
Sankashti Chaturthi ("the fourth day that removes difficulties") is a recurring monthly observance rather than a single annual festival, rooted in the broader tradition of Ganesha worship as remover of obstacles.
Devotees observe this day specifically to seek Ganesha's help in overcoming a specific hardship or obstacle in their lives, making it a deeply personal, intention-driven observance.
Various Puranic stories describe devotees overcoming severe hardship after observing a Sankashti fast with sincere devotion to Ganesha.
Observed similarly across most of India, though the exact fasting customs (a full fast versus a single meal) vary by region and family tradition.
A day-long fast is observed, broken only after sighting the moon in the evening, followed by a Ganesha puja and the offering of modak or laddoo.
Ganesha is worshipped with red flowers, durva grass, and a simple aarti; the fast is broken after moonrise with a small puja and prasad.
Minimal — a clean altar with a Ganesha idol or image, fresh flowers and a lit lamp is typical for this monthly observance.
The fast-breaking meal is often simple and centred on modak or a sweet offered first to Ganesha before being shared.
Falls every month on the Chaturthi (fourth day) after the full moon (Krishna Paksha).
