Among the many auspicious observances in the Hindu calendar, Sankatahara Chaturthi holds a place of quiet power and spiritual importance. Occurring on the Chaturthi tithi of Krishna Paksha (fourth day of the waning moon), each month, it is a day wholly dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and the giver of wisdom and inner strength.
As the name suggests, Sankatahara means “relief from difficulties.” For centuries, devotees have turned to this vratham as a means to clear their path and realign their lives with divine purpose and peace.
The Purpose and Power of Sankatahara Chaturthi
More than a ritual, Sankatahara Chaturthi is a spiritual practice that combines devotion, self-restraint, and surrender. It is believed that observing this day with sincerity helps remove obstacles be they emotional, material, or karmic. Fasting, chanting, and prayer on this day help purify the mind and strengthen one’s will.
The significance of this vratham is rooted in ancient tradition. According to sacred stories, Sage Narada once advised a troubled king to worship Lord Ganesha on Chaturthi to overcome his sufferings. The king followed the vratham with faith and soon found relief from his trials. Since then, this observance has become a time-tested path to spiritual upliftment.
How Sankatahara Chaturthi is Observed
Fasting
Most devotees observe a fast from sunrise until moonrise. Some follow a strict fast with no food or water, while others observe a phalahar or sattvic fast with fruits and milk. The fast is not just about abstaining from food, but about turning inward and cultivating clarity.
Ganapati Puja
At home or in temples, devotees offer prayers to Lord Ganesha. A small altar is arranged with an image or idol of Ganesha, flowers, sandalwood paste, turmeric, kumkum, fruits, coconuts, and his favorite sweet modak. Devotees light lamps and chant Ganesha mantras or perform archana with deep reverence.
Moon Sighting
The fast is broken only after sighting the moon. Water is offered to the moon (known as Chandra Arghya), and final prayers are recited. This marks the completion of the vratham.
Distribution of Prasadam
The food offered during the puja is shared as prasadam with family and neighbors, symbolizing the sharing of divine blessings and goodwill.
Monthly Ganesha Forms and 2025 Dates
Each month’s Sankatahara Chaturthi is associated with a different form of Lord Ganesha, each symbolizing a unique divine quality.
| Month | Date | Day | Ganesha Form |
| January | 17 January 2025 | Friday | Lambodara |
| February | 16 February 2025 | Sunday | Dwijapriya |
| March | 17 March 2025 | Monday | Bhalachandra |
| April | 16 April 2025 | Wednesday | Vikata |
| May | 16 May 2025 | Friday | Ekadanta |
| June | 14 June 2025 | Saturday | Krishna Pingala |
| July | 13 July 2025 | Sunday | Gajanana |
| August | 12 August 2025 | Tuesday | Heramba (Angaraki) |
| September | 10 September 2025 | Wednesday | Vighnaraja |
| October | 10 October 2025 | Friday | Vakratunda |
| November | 8 November 2025 | Saturday | Ganadhipa |
| December | 7 December 2025 | Sunday | Akhuratha |
The Angaraki Sankatahara Chaturthi, which falls on a Tuesday (12 August 2025), is considered especially powerful and sacred. For clarification of dates you can check Drik panchang.
Sankatahara Chaturthi at Hari Hara Kshethram
For devotees in Texas, Hari Hara Kshethram in Georgetown provides a deeply traditional and spiritual setting to observe Sankatahara Chaturthi each month. With sacred chants, homam, and pujas performed in full Vedic tradition, it becomes a place of divine connection and peace.
On 13 July 2025 (Sunday), the temple will host Ganapati Abhishekam, Ganapathi Homam, and Teertha Prasadha Vitharana, with sponsorships available at $51.Those who wish to participate or sponsor the rituals can visit the temple’s official website or directly explore the puja Events Section for more details.
In the midst of daily life, Sankatahara Chaturthi invites us to pause and reflect. It gives us an opportunity to let go of burdens and place our trust in the divine will of Lord Ganesha. Month after month, this sacred observance becomes a gentle reminder that with faith, devotion, and discipline, no obstacle is too great to overcome.
May Lord Ganesha guide all those who walk this path with sincerity and grant them peace, clarity, and strength throughout the year ahead.
FAQs
1. Why do we observe Sankatahara Chaturthi?
To seek Lord Ganesha’s blessings for removing obstacles and bringing peace, clarity, and strength in life.
2. Is fasting compulsory?
Not compulsory. Devotees fast based on their ability—either full (nirjala) or partial with fruits and milk.
3. Why is moonrise important?
The fast ends after seeing the moon. Offering prayers at moonrise is considered spiritually fulfilling.
4. What should I offer during puja?
Modaks, coconut, fruits, durva grass, and sincere prayers. Simplicity with devotion is enough.5. What happens during Sankatahara Chaturthi at Hari Hara Kshethram?
The temple conducts Ganapati Abhishekam, Ganapathi Homam, and Teertha Prasadha Vitharana. Devotees can participate or sponsor the puja for blessings.
