Sankashti Chaturthi is a significant Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and the god of wisdom and prosperity. It falls on the fourth day (Chaturthi) of the Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the moon) in every lunar month. However, the Sankashti Chaturthi that falls in the month of Magha (January-February) is considered the most auspicious and is known as Vinayaka Chaturthi.
Devotees observe fasts and perform puja rituals on this day to seek the blessings of Lord Ganesha for success, happiness, and prosperity. It is believed that observing Sankashti Chaturthi vrat with devotion and sincerity can remove all obstacles from one’s path and bring peace and prosperity in life.
Sankashti Chaturthi Dates 2022:
Here are the Sankashti Chaturthi dates for the year 2022:
1. January 21, 2022 (Friday)
2. February 20, 2022 (Sunday)
3. March 22, 2022 (Tuesday)
4. April 20, 2022 (Wednesday)
5. May 20, 2022 (Friday)
6. June 18, 2022 (Saturday)
7. July 18, 2022 (Monday)
8. August 16, 2022 (Tuesday)
9. September 15, 2022 (Thursday)
10. October 15, 2022 (Saturday)
11. November 14, 2022 (Monday)
12. December 13, 2022 (Tuesday)
Mark Your Calendar for Auspicious Days:
Sankashti Chaturthi is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion by devotees all over the world. On this day, devotees wake up early, take a bath, and offer prayers to Lord Ganesha. They observe a strict fast throughout the day and break it only after sighting the moon at night. Special puja rituals are performed in temples and homes, and Lord Ganesha is worshipped with offerings of modak (a sweet dumpling), fruits, flowers, and durva grass.
Devotees chant Ganesha mantras and slokas throughout the day to seek the blessings of the deity. Some devotees also listen to or recite the Sankashti Chaturthi Vrat Katha, a sacred text that narrates the story of a devotee who observed the vrat and was blessed by Lord Ganesha.
The festival is also marked by community gatherings, cultural programs, and processions in some regions. Devotees visit Ganesha temples, offer prayers, and seek blessings for success, happiness, and prosperity in life.
FAQs:
Q: Can anyone observe Sankashti Chaturthi vrat?
A: Yes, anyone can observe Sankashti Chaturthi vrat irrespective of age, gender, or caste. It is believed that observing the vrat with devotion and sincerity can bring blessings from Lord Ganesha.
Q: What are the benefits of observing Sankashti Chaturthi vrat?
A: Observing Sankashti Chaturthi vrat is believed to bring success, happiness, prosperity, and the removal of obstacles from one’s path. It is also said to enhance one’s spiritual growth and well-being.
Q: How should one observe Sankashti Chaturthi vrat?
A: To observe Sankashti Chaturthi vrat, one should wake up early, take a bath, and offer prayers to Lord Ganesha. One should observe a strict fast throughout the day and break it only after sighting the moon at night. Special puja rituals should be performed, and Ganesha mantras and slokas should be chanted.
Q: Can pregnant women or menstruating women observe Sankashti Chaturthi vrat?
A: Pregnant women and menstruating women are advised not to observe Sankashti Chaturthi vrat as fasting may not be suitable for them during this time. They can instead participate in the puja rituals and seek the blessings of Lord Ganesha.
In conclusion, Sankashti Chaturthi is a sacred and auspicious festival dedicated to Lord Ganesha. Devotees observe fasts, perform puja rituals, and seek blessings for success, happiness, and prosperity. The Sankashti Chaturthi dates for 2022 have been listed above, and devotees are encouraged to mark their calendars and observe the vrat with devotion and sincerity. May Lord Ganesha bless everyone with his divine grace and fulfill all their wishes and desires.
