Lord Ganesha is a marker of auspicious beginnings. Ganesha is worshipped at the beginning of seasons and rituals for this reason. And there is one day in every month of the year when this worship is said to be at its peak. Known as Sankashti Chaturthi or Sakat Chauth, this day is even more auspicious, especially if it falls on a Tuesday or Friday.

The Sanskrit word "sankashti" means deliverance from troubled or difficult times, so worshipping Lord Ganesha on this day means you'll be blessed with peace and prosperity in the coming times. Devotees usually keep a fast to be free of obstacles on this day.

Devotees keep a partial or day-long fast on this day. They eat only fruits and milk throughout the day. The day's fasting is broken only after the puja is done.


Special sweets, naivedya, including modukas, are offered to the deity during the puja. After puja and homa, these sweets are distributed as prasad.