Sankashti Chaturthi comes on every fourth day after Pournami full moon (Krishna Paksha) of the
Hindu lunar calendar month. On Sankashti Chaturthi, devotees observe a strict fast. They break the fast at night after having
darshan (auspicious sight) of the moon preceded by prayers to Ganesha. The Angaraki Chaturthi (angarak in Sanskrit means red like burning coal embers and refers to the planet Mars (which Tuesday (मंगलवार) is named after). Devotees believe their wishes will be fulfilled if they pray on this day. Observing this fast is believed to reduce problems, as Ganesha is the remover of all obstacles and the supreme lord of intelligence. Before moonlight, the Ganapati Atharvasheersha is recited to invoke the blessings of Lord Ganesha. The Krishna Paksha Chaturthi in the month of Magha is also observed as Sakat Chauth. During each month, Ganesha is worshiped with a different name and
peeta (seat). On the Sakashta Chaturthi day of each month, the 'Sankashta Ganapathi Pooja' prayer is performed. Each
Vrata (strict fast) has a purpose and is explained to us by a story known as the
Vrata Katha. This prayer offering has 13
Vrata Kathas, one for each month and the 13th story is for
adhika (The Hindu calendar has one extra month approximately every three years). The story pertaining to that month is recited. The Sankasta Ganapathi Pooja – 13 names and peetas In North and Central India, this fast is observed on the fourth day of
Krishna Paksha of
Magha month of the Hindu calendar. Durga women perform
Arghya to
Chandrama at night.
Bhugga (a til jaggery mixture) and radish are donated and eaten to complete the fast. It is one of the main rituals celebrated by the
Lodhi Rajputs. == Angarki Sankashti Chaturthi ==