Sankasthi Chaturthi, a significant Hindu festival, celebrates great devotion to Lord Ganesha. The auspicious day comes on the fourth day of the waning moon, which is also known as Krishna Paksha, in every lunar month of the Hindu calendar. Devotees believe the festival removes any barriers from human life and brings harmony and prosperity. Many perform Ganesh puja at home on this auspicious day; however, performing the rituals and making arrangements seem confusing. Don’t worry; here, we will provide detailed information about Ganesh puja and Ganesh sthapana at home.
Ganesh Sankasthi Chaturthi Dates and Timings
Ganesh Chaturthi is observed on 7th September, which will fall on Sunday. Below, we mention the dates and timings for Ganesh Sankasthi:
| Sankasthi Chaturthi | Time |
| Lambodara Sankasthi Chaturthi | Tithi begins on January 29, 2024 (6:10 AM)
Tithi ends on January 20, 2024 (08:54 AM) |
| Dwijapriya Sankasthi Chaturthi | Tithi begins on February 28, 2024 (01:53 AM)
Tithi ends on February 29, 2024 (04:18 AM) |
| Bhalachandra Sanskasthi Chaturthi | Tithi begins on March 28, 2024 (06:56 PM)
Tithi ends on March 29, 2024 (08:20 PM) |
| Vikata Sankasthi Chaturthi | Tithi begins on April 27, 2024 (08:17 AM)
Tithi ends on April 28, 2024 (08:21 AM) |
| Ekadanta Sankasthi Chaturthi | Tithi begns on May 26, 2024 (06:06 PM)
Tithi ends on May 27, 2024 (04:53 PM) |
| Krishnapingala Sankasthi Chaturthi | Tithi begins on June 25, 2024 (01:23 AM)
Tithi ends on June 25, 2024 (11:10 PM) |
| Gajanana Sankasthi Chaturthi | Tithi begins on July 24, 2024 (07:30 AM)
Tithi ends on July 23, 2024 (04:39 AM) |
| Heramba Sankasthi Chaturthi | Tithi begins on August 22, 2024 (01:46 PM)
Tithi ends on August 23, 2024 (10:38 AM) |
| Vighanaraja Sankasthi Chaturthi | Tithi begins on September 20, 2024 (09:15 PM)
Tithi ends on September 21, 2024 (06:13 PM) |
| Vakratunda Sankasthi Chaturthi | Tithi begins on October 20, 2024 (06:46 AM)
Tithi ends on October 21, 2024 (04:16 AM) |
| Ganadhipa Sankasthi Chaturthi | Tithi begins on November 18, 2024 (06:55 PM)
Tithi ends on November 19, 2024 (05:28 PM) |
| Akhuratha Sankasthi Chaturthi | Tithi begins on December 18, 2024 (10:06 AM)
Tithi ends on December 19, 2024 (10:02 AM) |
Also Read: 7 Popular Ganpati Decoration Ideas And Tips For 2024
How to Do Ganesh Puja at Home?
When the holy Sankasthi Chaturthi fast ends, it is important to observe the moonrise. Devotees adhere to this ritual with great perseverance, breaking their fast after moonrise. In the entire cycle of Sankasthi Chaturthi, there are thirteen Vrats. Every cycle has a unique Vrat Katha. Worshippers tell a story for every Vrat along the cycle and the narratives play an integral role in the fasting process. Devotees can read Adika once every four years as it adds a layer of significance to the specific narrative. Now, let’s go through the step-by-step process of Ganpati puja at home:
1. Bringing the Ganesha Idol Home
On the day of the arrival of Ganesha, you should get up early and take a bath. Then you can head over to get the Lord Ganesha idol home. On the other hand, many make an idol using clay or turmeric with their family members. You can also buy images of Lord Ganesha from the shops. However, most people go looking for a new idol for this ten-day festival.
2. Clean the Ganesh Puja Area
Making sure the designated area for puja is clean engages the devotee’s mind and body with an enhanced sense of purity and devotion. The task of cleansing the puja room eliminates external impurities and distractions, letting you focus more on the rituals. It also can create a sacred and focused atmosphere that is suitable for spiritual practices.
Also Read: Ganesh Puja Flower Decoration: 9 Ideas To Try For 2024
3. Performing Ganesh Puja
Start with lighting a lamp with coconut oil and incense sticks. If the idol permits the holy water, you may give the idol a bath. You can further use rosewater, coconut water, honey, sandal paste, and other materials to do so. After the holy bath, you must wipe the idol with a clean cloth. If there is an image of Ganpati, you can use sandal paste, vermillion, flowers, and ornaments for decoration. Meanwhile, chant Ganesha’s mantras and offer flowers at the base of the idol.
Also Read: Siddhi Vinayak Mandir: History, Facts, Timings & More
Things Required for Ganesh Sthapana
Ganesh Chaturthi commences on the day of Bhadrapad Shudh Chaturthi and ends on the day of Ananta Chaturdashi. To successfully perform the ritual, you need the following ingredients for a simple Ganesh puja at home:
1. Idol of Lord Ganesha
2. Wooden stool
3. Conch shell, brass bell, loban cups
4. Modak
5. New clothes for the ceremony
6. Rangoli, toran, flower garlands, and other decorative items
7. Moli, ½ bow of kumkum, sandalwood powder, camphor
8. 12 tambulam, 21 supari, 1 bowl of sugar, 1 attar
9. 21 durva, jaggery, incense sticks
10. 1 bowl of panchamrit (curd, milk, sugar, honey, and ghee)
Also Read: Navratri Decoration Ideas: 8 Things You Must Try In 2024
Tips for Following Sankasthi Chaturthi Rituals
Sankatahara Chaturthi or Sankashti Chaturthi holds immense spiritual and cultural significance for Hindus. You should keep the following tips to make sure you perform the rituals the right way:
1. The Ganesha idol must be made of clay, not metal.
2. Never immerse the idol without performing puja or offerings.
3. After Ganpati murti sthapana at home, you should avoid consuming onion, garlic, or non-veg Tamasik food.
4. You should unveil Ganesha’s idol only after placing it on the asan.
5. You have to perform aarti for Ganesh puja 2024, after reciting the mantras for Prana Pratistha, offer Ganpati modak, and light a diya or ghee lamp.
6. After Ganesh idol sthapana, you need to always make sure that a family member is always present at home.
7. Keep a sacred thread on the left shoulder of the statue.
Sankasthi Chaturthi is a sacred festival dedicated to Lord Ganesha and leads your way to a holistic spiritual experience. Through these practices, you can find the power to embark on a journey of self-reflection and purification. So, mark the dates and so jor se bolo Ganpati managlmurti morya!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is special about Sankasthi Chaturthi?
The term “Sankasthi” refers to deliverance from challenging times and circumstances. You can fast on the day to pray for your troubles and problems go away. It is widely celebrated in Maharastra and Tamil Nadu.
2. How to do Sankasthi Chaturthi pooja?
For Sankasthi Chaturthi pooja, you should wake up early in the morning and take a holy bath. Clean the house and pooja room, and place the idol of Lord Ganesha. Light a diya and offer modaks and laddos.
3. What is the benefit of Sankasthi fast?
Observing Sankasthi fast can help you attract positive energy and enhance personal growth and development. Plus, fasting can allow you to perform rituals with devotion and spiritual growth.
4. What is the difference between Ganesh Chaturthi and Sankasthi Chaturthi?
The key difference between Ganesh Chaturthi and Sankasthi Chaturthi is that the former is celebrated once a year, and the latter is celebrated every month on the fourth of the waning moon.
5. What to eat in Sankasthi Chaturthi?
Since Sankashti Chaturthi is a fasting day dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the diet is restricted. You can consume sabudana, rajgira, bananas, apples, or oranges.
6. What is Vinayagar Chaturthi 2024?
Vinayagar Chaturthi, also known as Ganesh Chaturthi, is a Hindu festival celebrated to mark the birth of Lord Ganesha, the god of wisdom and success. It is a 10-day celebration that typically falls between August and September.
7. When is Tithi Toran September 2024?
Tithi Toran (Ekadashi) in September 2024 occurs on two dates: Thursday, September 5th and Thursday, September 26th. These dates correspond to the Shukla Ekadashi and Krishna Ekadashi tithis in the Hindu lunar month of Bhadrapada.
8. When is Ganesh Visarjan 2024?
Ganesh Visarjan 2024 will be on Tuesday, September 17th. The 10-day festival of Ganesh Chaturthi begins on September 7th, and the immersion of Ganesha idols takes place on the final day.
