Ganesh Chaturthi 2019 Date, Ganesh Sankashti Chaturthi Vrat
Sankashti Chaturti, or Ganesh Sankashta Chaturthi Vrata, is dedicated to the first worshipped god, Lord Ganesha. Ganesh Sankashta Chaturthi Vrata occurs on the 4th day of the Krishna Paksha (dark phase of moon) or simply fourth day after full moon day or Pooranmashi. Staunch Ganesha devotees fast or upvaas on the whole day of Sankashta Chaturthi Vrata and break the fast only after sighting of moon according to their location.
In Hindu calendar, there are two Chaturthi Tithis. The one appearing in Krishna Paksha after the Pooranmashi or Purnima is known as Sankashti Chaturthi and one appearing in Shukla Paksha after Amavasya is known as Vinayaka Chaturthi. Sankashti Chaturthi fasting is carried every month but Sankashti Chaturthi that appears in the month of Magha and Pausha are the most significant.
If Sankashti Chaturthi occurs on Tuesday, considered highly auspicious, it is known as Angarki Chaturthi.
Observed mainly in Western and Southern India, in the states of Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, Sankashti fast helps one in getting rid of all obstacles and attaining peace, prosperity and knowledge. In Tamil Nadu, Sankashti Chaturti vrat is known as Sankatahara Chaturti or Ganesh Sankatahara. Sankashti Chaturthi in Magha month is often called as Sankat Chauth/Sakat chauth in North India. Vinayaka Chaturthi in the month of Bhadrapada is known as Ganesha Chaturthi and is celebrated by Hindus worldwide as the Lord Ganesha's birthday. Ganesh Chaturthi 2019 date is September 2.
Importance of Sankashta Chaturthi Vrata was told to Yudhishtira by Lord Krishna, more can be seen in Narasimha and Bhavishaya Puranas.
If you are fasting on Sankashti Chaturthi Vrat, you can eat the fruits, tea, coffee, milk, Sabudana Khichadi and potatoes. It is important to note that timing for moonrise could be different for different cities if you are fasting for Sankashti Chaturthi. As breaking Sankashti Chaturthi fast depends on moonrise on Chaturthi Tithi but fasting could be observed on Tritiya Tithi i.e. a day earlier to Chaturthi Tithi.
Siddhivinayak Temple in Prabhadevi, Mumbai and other Ganesha temples all over the world can be seen crowded by people on this day of Sankashti Chaturti.