What is Chaturthi?

Chaturthi is the fourth tithi of each lunar fortnight, sacred to Lord Ganesha. Two types recur monthly: Sankashti Chaturthi (Krishna Paksha) is the primary monthly Ganesha vrat, while Vinayaka Chaturthi (Shukla Paksha) is observed with morning puja and modak offerings.

On Sankashti Chaturthi, devotees fast from sunrise until moonrise and break the fast only after sighting the moon and performing Ganesh Puja. The grand Ganesh Chaturthi festival (Bhadrapada Shukla Chaturthi) is a 10-day celebration culminating in visarjan.

The Chaturthi Chandra Dosha is unique: on Bhadrapada Shukla Chaturthi, looking at the moon brings false accusations (Syamantaka gem curse). If seen accidentally, reciting the Syamantaka story is the prescribed remedy. Modak (21) and Durva grass (3 or 5 blades) are the traditional offerings.

The table below lists all Chaturthi dates for the year, distinguishing Sankashti (Krishna Paksha) and Vinayaka (Shukla Paksha) observances.