Monthly Fasts — Hindu Sacred Fast
Sankashti Chaturthi Vrat
Sankashti Chaturthi is observed on the Krishna Paksha Chaturthi (4th day of the waning fortnight) every month, dedicated to Lord Ganesha. "Sankashti" means "deliverance from great troubles," making this fast specifically powerful for removing obstacles, debts, and sorrows. The fast breaks only after sighting the moon at night and offering it water. When Sankashti falls on a Tuesday it is called Angaraki Chaturthi and is considered extraordinarily auspicious.
Last updated: 24 April 2026 · Source: Vedic Tradition
Benefits
Removes all obstacles and hindrances in life, eliminates debts and financial worries, grants success in business and career, bestows sharp intellect and wisdom, protects against evil spirits and negative energies, ensures Ganesha's blessings for all new beginnings, and helps devotees overcome their most intractable problems.
Procedure
On Chaturthi morning bathe early and begin the fast. Clean the puja area and install or place an image of Ganesha. Perform Shodashopachara (16-step) puja with red flowers, durva grass, modak (sweet), and red sandalwood. Light a ghee lamp. Recite Sankashti Chaturthi Vrat Katha and Ganesh Atharvashirsha. In the evening perform aarti. After moonrise, sight the moon, offer water (arghya) to the moon, then break the fast.
When to Observe
Every month on Krishna Paksha Chaturthi (4th day of the waning moon fortnight) — approximately 12–13 times a year. When it falls on Tuesday it becomes Angaraki Chaturthi, which is especially sacred. Magh Krishna Chaturthi (Sakat Chauth) and Bhadrapada Krishna Chaturthi are particularly important.
Fasting Rules
Fast from sunrise until moonrise. No grains, lentils, onion, or garlic. Phalahar (fruits, milk, sabudana, nuts) is permitted during the day. The critical rule is that the fast must not be broken until the moon is sighted and water is offered to it — breaking early negates the vrat's merit. On Angaraki Chaturthi (Tuesday), the fast is even stricter.
How to Break the Fast
Break fast only after moonrise — first sight the moon and offer water (arghya) to it. Then perform a final Ganesha aarti. Eat modak or any sweet as the first food after the fast, as modak is Ganesha's favourite. Share prasad with family members. Donate sesame, jaggery, or durva grass to a Brahmin before sitting down to eat.
FAQ
Q.What is Sankashti Chaturthi Vrat?
Sankashti Chaturthi is observed on the Krishna Paksha Chaturthi (4th day of the waning fortnight) every month, dedicated to Lord Ganesha. "Sankashti" means "deliverance from great troubles," making this fast specifically powerful for removing obstacl...
Q.What are the fasting rules for Sankashti Chaturthi Vrat?
Fast from sunrise until moonrise. No grains, lentils, onion, or garlic. Phalahar (fruits, milk, sabudana, nuts) is permitted during the day. The critical rule is that the fast must not be broken until the moon is sighted and water is offered to it — breaking early negates the vrat's merit. On Angaraki Chaturthi (Tuesday), the fast is even stricter.
Q.When should Sankashti Chaturthi Vrat be observed?
Every month on Krishna Paksha Chaturthi (4th day of the waning moon fortnight) — approximately 12–13 times a year. When it falls on Tuesday it becomes Angaraki Chaturthi, which is especially sacred. Magh Krishna Chaturthi (Sakat Chauth) and Bhadrapada Krishna Chaturthi are particularly important.
Q.What are the benefits of Sankashti Chaturthi Vrat?
Removes all obstacles and hindrances in life, eliminates debts and financial worries, grants success in business and career, bestows sharp intellect and wisdom, protects against evil spirits and negative energies, ensures Ganesha's blessings for all new beginnings, and helps devotees overcome their most intractable problems.