Ganadhipa Sankashti Chaturthi 2025 will be celebrated this year on Saturday, November 8. On this day, devotees perform special worship of Lord Ganesha, observe a fast, and complete it by offering Arghya (water offering) to the moon. Offering beloved offerings to Bappa, such as modak, durva grass, jaggery, banana, and coconut, is believed to remove all troubles from life and bring happiness and prosperity.
Ganadhipa Sankashti Chaturthi: This year, the fast of Ganadhipa Sankashti Chaturthi will be celebrated with devotion across the country on November 8. This fast is observed on the Chaturthi Tithi of the Krishna Paksha (waning phase) of the Margashirsha month and is renowned for the special worship of Lord Ganesha. It is believed that observing this fast and performing puja on this day removes all obstacles from a person's life. The fast is completed by offering Arghya to the moon after its rise at 8:01 PM, which blesses devotees with happiness, wisdom, and prosperity.
Ganadhipa Sankashti Chaturthi 2025 Date and Muhurat
The Chaturthi Tithi of the Krishna Paksha of the Margashirsha month is celebrated as Ganadhipa Sankashti Chaturthi. In the year 2025, this sacred date falls on Saturday, November 8. According to the Panchang (Hindu calendar), the Chaturthi Tithi will begin at 07:32 AM on November 8 and will continue until 04:25 AM on November 9. The best time for observing the fast and performing puja will be on the evening of November 8.
On this day, the moonrise is stated to be at 08:01 PM. It is believed that the fast is completed only when the observer of the fast beholds the moon and offers Arghya to it. Offering Arghya to the moon is one of the most significant traditions of this fast. Doing so is believed to please Lord Ganesha and remove negativity from life.
Significance and Method of Ganesha Puja
On Ganadhipa Sankashti Chaturthi, devotees observe a fast and perform special worship of Bappa. The puja begins by placing an idol or picture of Ganesha in a clean spot. Thereafter, the deity is worshipped with Roli (vermilion), rice, durva grass, flowers, incense, and a lamp.
During the worship, chanting the mantra "Om Ganadhipaya Namah" is considered especially fruitful. This is followed by reciting the Ganesha Chalisa, Ganapati Atharvashirsha, and Ganesha Aarti. The fast concludes after offering Arghya to the moon after the puja.
Offer His Favorite Bhog to Lord Ganesha
Offering Bhog (sacred food) to Lord Ganesha is considered the most important part of the puja. Religious texts mention several items that are exceptionally dear to Lord Ganesha.
1. Modak
Modak is extremely beloved by Lord Ganesha. It is said that wherever modak is offered, Bappa, pleased, bestows blessings of wisdom and prosperity. Offering steamed modak made of coconut and jaggery on Ganadhipa Sankashti Chaturthi is considered auspicious. It is not only distributed as Prasad but is also regarded by devotees as a symbol of happiness.
2. Durva (Grass)
Durva grass is extremely dear to Lord Ganesha. There is a tradition of offering 21 strands of durva grass during the puja. It is believed that offering durva grass brings stability, peace, and an increase in wealth in life. Durva is considered a symbol of purity and devotion.
3. Jaggery
Offering jaggery to Lord Ganesha is considered very auspicious. It is not only a symbol of happiness but also indicates an increase in wealth and grains. Offering jaggery mixed with gram or sesame seeds yields special benefits.
4. Banana
It is said that Lord Ganesha is very fond of bananas. Offering bananas to Bappa during the puja helps in completing stalled tasks and brings happiness to the family. This offering is believed to fulfill the wishes of the devotee.
5. Coconut
Offering coconut helps in removing life's troubles and obstacles. At the end of the puja, there is a tradition of breaking a coconut and offering it to the deity. It symbolizes the removal of negative energy and new beginnings.
Religious Significance of the Fast and Puja
The fast of Ganadhipa Sankashti Chaturthi is considered particularly beneficial for those who frequently encounter obstacles in their lives. It is believed that observing this fast and worshipping Lord Ganesha on this day resolves all of a person's troubles. This fast is also believed to enhance wisdom, discretion, and prosperity.
Devotees observe a strict fast (Nirjala Vrat), abstaining from water and food throughout the day, and eat only after moonrise. Some people follow a fruit-based diet (phalahar). Maintaining purity of mind, speech, and actions is considered essential during the fast.
Significance of Lord Ganesha's Mantras and Aarti
- Om Ganadhipaya Namah
- Vakratunda Mahakaya Suryakoti Samaprabha. Nirvighnam Kuru Me Deva Sarva Karyeshu Sarvada॥
- Singing "Jai Ganesh Jai Ganesh Jai Ganesh Deva" during the Aarti fills the atmosphere with positive energy.
Religious Beliefs and Puranic Lore
According to the scriptures, Lord Ganesha was born on the Chaturthi Tithi. Therefore, worship on this day holds special significance. Ganadhipa Sankashti Chaturthi is also mentioned in the Skanda Purana and Ganesha Purana. As per the legend, at one time, Mother Parvati told her son Ganesha that whoever observes this fast with devotion will have all their obstacles removed and attain happiness and prosperity.
According to the story, once Chandradev (the Moon god) mocked Lord Ganesha, which resulted in a curse that anyone who sees him on the night of Chaturthi would incur blame or misfortune. This is why the tradition of viewing the moon only after offering Arghya on this day came into being.
Benefits and Fruits of the Fast
Observing the fast of Ganadhipa Sankashti Chaturthi leads to the attainment of wisdom, strength, and wealth. This fast liberates one from all kinds of troubles and paves the way for success in a person's life. For those facing obstacles in education, career, or business, this day is especially fruitful.
Ganadhipa Sankashti Chaturthi is not just a religious ritual but a symbol of self-restraint, devotion, and faith. It teaches us that faith and patience are essential to overcome any difficulty in life. The worship of Lord Ganesha paves the way for peace of mind, wisdom, and success.
