Gajanana Sankashti Chaturthi 2024: Date, Time, Puja Rituals, Significance And Wishes For Celebrations

By Oneindia Staff

Updated: Tuesday, July 23, 2024, 21:28 [IST]

Gajanana Sankashti Chaturthi is one of the most revered festivals dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed deity who is widely worshipped as the remover of obstacles and the god of beginnings.

This auspicious day falls on the fourth day (Chaturthi) of the waning phase of the moon (Krishna Paksha) every month.

Gajanana Sankashti Chaturthi 2024 Celebration

However, when this day falls on a Tuesday, it is specifically referred to as Angarika Sankashti Chaturthi, and it holds even greater significance. Devotees observe a fast and perform puja during these timings to seek the blessings of Lord Ganesha.

Read on to know more about the date, time, puja rituals, significance, and wishes for celebrating Gajanana Sankashti Chaturthi 2024.

Gajanana Sankashti Chaturthi 2024 Date

This year Gajanana Sankashti Chaturthi is celebrated on Wednesday, 24 July 2024.

Gajanana Sankashti Chaturthi 2024 Puja Rituals

Observing Gajanana Sankashti Chaturthi involves several rituals that are performed with utmost devotion. Here is a step-by-step guide to the puja rituals:

1. Devotees wake up early in the morning and take a holy bath. They clean their houses and the place where the puja will be conducted.

2. An altar is set up with a clean cloth. An idol or picture of Lord Ganesha is placed on it. The altar is decorated with flowers, especially marigold, which is considered auspicious.

3. Devotees take a sankalpa, a vow to observe the fast with sincerity and devotion. They pray for the removal of obstacles and the well-being of their families.

4. Fasting is a significant part of this observance. Devotees refrain from eating grains and pulses. They consume fruits, milk, and fast-friendly foods like sabudana (tapioca), singhara (water chestnut flour), and peanuts.

5. In the evening, during the Chaturthi tithi, devotees perform the Ganesh puja. They begin by offering prayers to Lord Ganesha. The following items are used in the puja:

Flowers: Marigold, hibiscus, and other fresh flowers.
Durva Grass: A special type of grass that is dear to Lord Ganesha.
Modak: A sweet dumpling that is considered the favorite food of Lord Ganesha.
Incense Sticks and Lamps: To create a pious atmosphere.
Coconut and Betel Leaves: Symbolic offerings in the puja.

6. Devotees chant the Ganesh mantra "Om Gan Ganapataye Namah" and recite the Sankashti Ganesh Stotra. The puja concludes with the Ganesh aarti, where devotees sing praises of Lord Ganesha.

7. The fast is broken after sighting the moon and offering prayers to Chandra Deva (the moon god). Devotees offer water, rice, and flowers to the moon while reciting prayers.

Gajanana Sankashti Chaturthi Significance

Gajanana Sankashti Chaturthi holds immense religious and spiritual significance for Hindus. Here are some key aspects:

1. Lord Ganesha is worshipped as Vighnaharta, the remover of obstacles. Observing this vrat (fast) is believed to help devotees overcome challenges and achieve success in their endeavors.

2. Devotees believe that fasting and praying on this day bring good health, wealth, and prosperity. It is said to ward off negative energies and bring positive vibrations into one's life.

3. The rituals and fasting help devotees attain spiritual growth and inner peace. It is an opportunity to focus on devotion, meditation, and self-discipline.

4. Performing the Sankashti Chaturthi puja with sincerity and faith is believed to attract the blessings of Lord Ganesha, ensuring happiness and success in personal and professional life.