In the Hindu calendar, there are two chaturthi tithis, i.e., 4th day tithis in any lunar month. The one after purnima, or the full moon during Krishna paksha, is called Sankashti Chaturthi. The one after amavasya, or the new moon during Shukla paksha, is known by Vinayaka Chaturthi.
In general, the Chaturthi tithi is very auspicious for the worship of Lord Ganesh. Vinayaka Chaturthi is also known as the Varada Vinayaka Chaturthi. Varad means to obtain blessings from God to fulfill one’s desires. It is believed that Lord Ganesh blesses those who keep this fast with wisdom and patience. Wisdom and patience are virtues that have been valued by mankind since the beginning of time. These virtues are essential for success in life.
In general, the Chaturthi tithi is very auspicious for the worship of Lord Ganesh. Vinayaka Chaturthi is also known as the Varada Vinayaka Chaturthi. Varad means to obtain blessings from God to fulfill one’s desires. It is believed that Lord Ganesh blesses those who keep this fast with wisdom and patience. Wisdom and patience are virtues that have been valued by mankind since the beginning of time. These virtues are essential for success in life.
People typically fast and pray during the Sankashti Chaturthi to obtain relief and riddance from their problems whereas Vinayaka Chaturthi is celebrated more in reverence of Lord Ganesh. It is to express one’s joy and greetings towards Lord Ganesh.
Although Vinayaka Chaturthi fasting is done every month, but the most significant Vinayaka Chaturthi falls in month of Bhadrapada. Vinayaka Chaturthi during Bhadrapada month is known as Ganesh Chaturthi. It is believed that for ten days starting from the Bhadrapada Vinayaka Chaturthi day, Lord Ganesh is present on earth in a tangible form and because of this it is easier to connect with his energy and obtain his grace and blessings.
People who do the fasting (vrat) on Vinayak Chaturthi tithi, should keep in mind that since the start and end times are dependent on the sunrise (and sunset) time, it would vary between different cities around the world. It is observed when the chaturthi tithi prevails during midday. Ganesh Puja on Vinayaka Chaturthi is done at midday. A person will need to confirm the accurate sunrise, sunset, and midday times for their region to ensure they are starting and ending the fast and conducting the prayers at the proper time.
The ritualistic rules of this fast are quite strict and usually only fruits and root-vegetables are allowed to be consumed. Tapioca (sabudana) khichdi (special style of preparation) with boiled potatoes and peanuts is the favorite food consumed during this fast. The fast goes on from sunrise during the Vinayaka tithi and then continues throughout the day and finally ends in the evening after sunset.
Although Vinayaka Chaturthi fasting is done every month, but the most significant Vinayaka Chaturthi falls in month of Bhadrapada. Vinayaka Chaturthi during Bhadrapada month is known as Ganesh Chaturthi. It is believed that for ten days starting from the Bhadrapada Vinayaka Chaturthi day, Lord Ganesh is present on earth in a tangible form and because of this it is easier to connect with his energy and obtain his grace and blessings.
People who do the fasting (vrat) on Vinayak Chaturthi tithi, should keep in mind that since the start and end times are dependent on the sunrise (and sunset) time, it would vary between different cities around the world. It is observed when the chaturthi tithi prevails during midday. Ganesh Puja on Vinayaka Chaturthi is done at midday. A person will need to confirm the accurate sunrise, sunset, and midday times for their region to ensure they are starting and ending the fast and conducting the prayers at the proper time.
The ritualistic rules of this fast are quite strict and usually only fruits and root-vegetables are allowed to be consumed. Tapioca (sabudana) khichdi (special style of preparation) with boiled potatoes and peanuts is the favorite food consumed during this fast. The fast goes on from sunrise during the Vinayaka tithi and then continues throughout the day and finally ends in the evening after sunset.
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