The waning-phase Chaturthi each month, a fasting day to worship Lord Ganesha and remove obstacles.
Sankatahara Chaturthi is a monthly Ganesha fast on the 4th tithi of the waning fortnight (Krishna Paksha). The name means 'remover of difficulties' — Sankatam (trouble) and Hara (destroyer) — and the day is devoted to worshipping the elephant-headed god who clears obstacles.
The fast runs from sunrise until moonrise that night; devotees break their fast only after sighting the moon. Offerings of kozhukattai (steamed rice dumplings) and modakam, Ganesha's favourite sweets, are prepared and offered.
The Sankatahara Chaturthi in the Tamil month of Aavani (August–September) is regarded as the most powerful, falling close to the annual Vinayagar Chaturthi. Those who observe it month after month are believed to have all obstacles in life gradually removed.
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Frequently asked questions
What is Sankatahara Chaturthi?
Sankatahara Chaturthi is the 4th tithi (Chaturthi) of the waning fortnight (Krishna Paksha) each lunar month. It is a fasting day devoted to Lord Ganesha, 'Sankata' means obstacle, 'hara' means remover. Prayers on this day are believed to remove difficulties from life.
How many Sankatahara Chaturthi days are there in a year?
There are 12 Sankatahara Chaturthi days per year, one per lunar month. All dates are listed on this page.
What is the difference between Vinayagar Chaturthi and Sankatahara Chaturthi?
Vinayagar Chaturthi (Ganesh Chaturthi) is the 4th tithi of the waxing fortnight (Shukla Paksha) in the Tamil month Aavani, a grand annual festival. Sankatahara Chaturthi is the monthly fasting day on the 4th tithi of the waning fortnight, observed every month.
What do people do on Sankatahara Chaturthi?
Devotees fast during the day, break the fast after moonrise, offer modak (sweet dumplings), and recite the Ganesha Purana. Visiting a Ganesha temple is considered especially auspicious.