Sankashtahara Ganapathi Vratha
It is celebrated on every fourth day of the full moon or Krishna Paksha of the Hindu calendar. The vrat and pooja are described in the Bhavishyat Purana and Narasimha Purana. Lord Krishna narrates the importance of Sankashta Chathurthi to Yudhishtira. Women observe fast on this day for the welfare of their families.
On this day, devotees pray to Lord Ganesha, the Supreme Lord of Intelligence and remover of all obstacles. They fast on this day and pray to Lord Ganesha to get rid of all their problems. In the morning, devotees rise early, take a holy bath, and determine themselves to observe the Vrat and fast for the whole day. The pooja is usually done in the evenings. In the evening, they visit temples and participate in the pooja. The idol of Ganesha is decorated with Durva Grass and flowers. The prasadam includes Modaka and other items liked by Lord Ganesha. Devotees chant mantras and stotras of the Lord. The priests narrate the Sankashtahara Ganapathi Vrat Katha in temples. Those who cannot go to temples perform Ganapathi pooja at home. Before moonlight, Ganapathi Atharvasheersha is also recited.
The devotees break the fast after viewing the moon, which is called Chandrodaya. After sighting the Moon, offerings are made to the Moon God such as sandalwood paste, rice, water, flowers, etc. If the Moon is not visible, one worships the image of the moon placed on the head of Lord Shiva and concludes the Fast.
