Lambodara Sankashti Chaturthi 2024: Moonrise Timing, Dates, Importance, Fast Benefits, What to Eat

Sankashti Chaturthi is an auspicious day that is celebrated by the Hindus to worship Lord Ganesh (Lambodara). This day falls on the fourth day of Krishna Paksha (dark lunar phase or the waning phase) in Paush Masa (as per the Amavasyant calendar).

In the year 2024, this day falls on 29th of January. On this special day, people keep fast from sunrise to moonrise and break the fast only after they see the moon. In many portions of the country, this day is also known as TilChauth, Sakat Chauth, and Mahi Chauth. Apart from Lord Ganesh, the moon is also worshiped on his day. Find more about Lambodara Sankashti Chaturthi 2024 like timings, method of worship, etc from the article below.

Story behind the origin of Lord Ganesh

Ganesh was created was Goddess Parvati to guard the door as She takes a bath. He was strictly told to not let anyone in but when He refused to let Lord Shiva in, He got infuriated and severed Ganesh’s head.

When Parvati saw this, She got filled with anger and took the form if Adi-Shakti. This is when Shiva fixed head of a baby elephant on Ganesh and gave Him life back.

Interesting facts about Sankashti Chaturthi

Some fascinating facts about Sankashti Chaturthi that most people probably don’t know are provided below. Check them out.

Origin of the auspicious day of Sankashti Chaturthi traces back to 700 BC.
The term ‘Sankashti’ means liberation from troubles and Lord Ganesh is worshipped for removing all obstacles from life.
It is said that on this very day Lord Ganesh was declared superior to all other gods by Lord Shiva.
Sankashti Chaturthi is also known as Sankatahara Chaturthi or Ganesh Sankatahara among Tamil Hindus.
If this Chaturthi falls on a Tuesday it is called Angaraki Sankashti Chaturthi and is considered as a highly auspicious day.
In Jammu, this fast is observed on fourth day of Krishna Paksha of Magha month of Hindu Calendar.
Sankashti Chaturthi is observed every Lunar month and in each month, God Ganesh is worshipped with different peeta (Lotus petals) and name. There are total 13 vratkatha, 12 for each Masa and 1 for Adhika masa observed every 4 years.

Lambodara Sankashti Chaturthi 2024 Date & Timing

Check out the date and timing for Lambodara Sankashti Chaturthi 2024 below:

Starting of Chaturthi Tithi – 06:10 AM on Jan 28, 2024
Ending of Chaturthi Tithi – 08:54 AM on Jan 30, 2024

Moonrise Timing

Moon is of extra importance on Sankashti Chaturthi as people open their fast only after they see the moon in the sky. The timing for moonrise on Sankashti Chaturthi 2024 is calculated as 9:10 pm on January 29, 2024.

This means all the people who have fasted on this day can see the moon at 9:10 pm and then open their fast. However, this timing can vary from region to region and the devotees should check the timing in their regions for the sighting of moon.

Method of worship on Lambodara Sankashti Chaturthi

On this day, devotees wake up early in the morning and take a bath and observe fasting all day long. People may eat fruits and vegetable roots during their fast but most people go on without eating any food.

Then in the evening, they worship Lord Ganesh and present offerings ofdurva grass, flowers, modak and other things that are favorite of Ganesh. Devotees read the vratkatha related to this day and chant prayers and mantras to please Lord Ganesh.

Details about Ganesh Chaturthi

After this, they can see the moon and break their all-day long fast. Offering is also presented to the moon in the form of Chandan paste, rice, water and flowers.

Significance of Sankashti Chaturthi

Lord Ganesh is known by many names. One such name is Vighneshvara or Vighnaharta in Marathi which is made of two words- Vighna which means trouble and Harta means someone who can remove it.

Together, it means that Lord Ganesh is meant to remove all troubles from life. On the day of Sankashti Chaturthi, people observe fast and worship Lord Ganesh hoping that He will remove all the obstacles from the life of the person observing the fast.