Every month Krishna Paksha Chaturthi is observed as Sankashti Chaturthi and is dedicated to Lord Ganesha. The Krishna Paksha Chaturthi that falls during the Hindu month of Magh is also observed as Sakat Chauth. In the Gregorian calendar, Magh month corresponds with January or February. Sakat Chauth is usually celebrated in the Northern states of India and is dedicated to Goddess Sakat. Sakat Chauth is also known as Sankat Chauth, Til-Kuta Chauth, Vakra-Tundi Chaturthi, and Maghi Chauth. Observing dawn to dusk fast on Sakat Chauth is believed to bring good health to sons. Worshipping Lord Ganesha on this day is said to bring happiness and prosperity. In 2019, Sakat Chauth and Sankashti Chaturthi fall on January 24.
Significance
Sankashti Chaturthi is observed every month of the fourth day after the full moon day. If Chaturthi falls on Tuesday it is called Angaraki Chaturthi and is considered highly auspicious. Lord Ganesha is said to be the lord of intelligence and removal of obstacles and hence seeking blessings of the elephant god helps to get rid of obstacles in life. Apart from observing fast, Ganpati Atharvasheersha, Ganesha Ashtothra, and Sankashtnasha Stotra are recited and ‘Sankashta Ganpati Puja’ is performed.
On Sankashti Chaturthi, bhog of modak and durva grass are offered to Lord Ganesha. On this day, the moon holds a special significance. The vrat is said to be complete only after the moon is visible. Flowers, water, rice, haldi-kumkum, and sandalwood paste are offered to the moon.
Sakat Chaturthi is dedicated to Goddess Sakat and on the day women observe fast for the well-being of their sons. In Rajasthan’s Sakat village a temple is dedicated to Goddess Sakat and the deity there is popularly known as Sankat Chauth Mata.
Tithi
Moonrise on Sankashti Chaturthi: 9:55 pm
Chaturthi tithi begins: 11:59 pm on January 23
Chaturthi tithi ends: 8:53 pm on January 24