Shravan Sankashti Chaturthi 2024: Date, Vrat Rituals, and Puja Timings for Observing This Auspicious Fast

Ganeshotsav, the much-awaited festival, is just around the corner, and preparations are already in full swing. As devotees start planning their decorations and unique celebrations for this year's Ganesh Chaturthi, the importance of the preceding Sankashti Chaturthi during the month of Shravan cannot be overlooked.

In the holy month of Shravan, which is part of the Chaturmas, Vrats (fasts) and Vaikals (rituals) hold immense spiritual significance.  Among the various fasts dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the Sankashti Chaturthi Vrat is considered one of the most sacred and ancient. It is a day when devotees observe a fast and perform special pujas (worship) to seek the blessings of Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles.

Also Read: Shravan Sankashti Chaturthi 2024: Powerful Remedies and Rituals to Invoke Ganesha's Blessings for Success and Prosperity

Sankashti Chaturthi Pujan and Rituals

On the Vadya Chaturthi of Shravan, known as Sankashti Chaturthi, devotees worship Ganapati Bappa with utmost devotion. This day is considered especially significant as it precedes the grand celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi in Bhadrapada. Observing the Sankashti Chaturthi Vrat is believed to bring eternal devotion to Ganesha, as well as his blessings for removing obstacles and ensuring success in all endeavors.

Anyone can do Sankashti Chaturthi fast. Ganesh devotees worship Lord Ganesha in their own ways and in every Sankashti. Millions of Ganesha devotees fast on Sankashti Chaturthi. It is believed that by observing this fast, Vighnaharta Bappa bless us with good fortune. However, it is said that one should not break the fast without seeing the moon. It is said that on the day of Sankashti, we must offer Jasvanda(Hibiscus) flower and Durva judi to Bappa.

Also Read: Shravan Sankashti Chaturthi 2024: Know Moon Rise Timings, Shubh Muhurat, Fast Breaking Rituals, and Significance

Sankashti vrata was performed by Yashodamata for Kanha

It is well known that Lord Krishna was very mischievous as a child. It is mentioned that Yasodamata performed this fast so that Lord Krishna would give up his mischievous nature and behave like four children. For thousands of years this fast has been faithfully observed in India. This shows the greatness of this fast. Some Vrats are performed purely as a service, while others are performed for the fulfillment of a wish. Fasting on Sankashta Chaturthi is done for the purpose of wish fulfillment. It is the experience of the devotees that when this fast is performed mentally, one gets the grace of Ganesha and gets his wishes fulfilled. Worship is as important as worship on this day. Express your desire to God and pray to God for the fulfillment of your desire. It is said that if the intention behind the desire is pure and one's karma is good, it takes no time to get the grace of Ganaraya.

Bahula Chaturthi fast and Shri Krishna worship

Bahula Chaturthi is celebrated on this day in some parts of the country. Shri Krishna used to drink milk from a cow named Bahula as a child. It is considered auspicious to worship the calf along with the cow on this day. It is believed that by doing this fast, the hardships of children will be removed and long life will be attained. Similarly, Shri Krishna is also worshiped on Bahula Chaturthi. It is said that due to all these wonderful yogas, Sanksha Chaturthi in Shravan has gained special importance.

How to fast on Shravan Sankashti Chaturthi?

On the day of Sankshti Chaturthi, wake up early in the morning and bathe. One should fast throughout the day. Ganapati Bappa should be worshiped. Abhishek the idol of Ganapati with pure water. While doing Abhishek, if there is Atharvashirsha verse, it should be repeated 21 times, otherwise the mantra 'Om Gan Ganpatye Namah' should be chanted 108 times. After this flowers should be offered. Remember Ganesha by offering incense, lamp, nevaidya. Take prasad and distribute it. After this, watch the time of moonrise at night and offer offerings to Ganapati Bappa by lighting incense and lamps. Offer arghya to the moon by looking at the moon and break the fast by carrying jaswand flowers and durva as aarti to Ganapati. If it is not at all possible, at least once with devotion, chant or listen to Atharvashirsha.

Shravan Sankshati Chaturthi: Thursday, August 22, 2024

Shravan Vadya Chaturthi Start: Thursday, August 22, 2024 at 01:46 PM.

Shravan Vadya Chaturthi Ends: Friday, August 23, 2024 at 10:38 AM.

According to the Indian Almanac, although there is an ancient tradition of considering the date of sunrise, the Sankashthi Chaturthi Vrat is said to be performed on 22nd August 2024 as the Vrat is performed after the moonrise in Pradosh Kali.