Chaturthi
Chaturthi is the 4th tithi — Ganesha's sacred day. Shukla Chaturthi (4th of the bright fortnight) is celebrated as Vinayaka Chaturthi. Krishna Chaturthi (4th of the dark fortnight) is Sankashti Chaturthi — a monthly fast for Ganesha. Bhadrapada Shukla Chaturthi is the annual Ganesh Chaturthi festival.
Significance of Chaturthi
The 4th tithi belongs to Ganesha — the remover of obstacles and lord of beginnings. Every month's Chaturthi in Krishna Paksha is Sankashti Chaturthi: devotees fast through the day and break the fast after moonrise, offering modak to Ganesha. The most powerful Sankashti is Angarki Chaturthi — when Sankashti falls on Tuesday (Mangalvar / Angaraka = Mars). This combination is considered the most potent for removing obstacles.
What to Do on Chaturthi
- • Ganesha worship and fasting
- • Beginning new ventures (Ganesha removes obstacles)
- • Reciting Ganesha Atharvasheersham
- • Offering modak
- • Looking at the Moon on Bhadrapada Shukla Chaturthi (per Bhavishya Purana)
Chaturthi Puja Vidhi
- 1On Sankashti: fast from sunrise to moonrise
- 2Offer modak, durva grass (21 blades), red hibiscus, and coconut to Ganesha
- 3Recite Ganesha Atharvasheersham 3 or 11 times
- 4After moonrise: sight the Moon, offer water, then break the fast
- 5Read the Sankashti Chaturthi Katha
Chaturthi Dates 2026
Vedic Astrology & Chaturthi
The 4th tithi is associated with the 4th house — home, mother, emotional foundation. Ganesha, as the lord of obstacles, addresses 4th house difficulties (property disputes, family conflicts, lack of inner peace). Ketu — Ganesha's planet in some systems — is pacified by Chaturthi worship.

Dr. Meenakshi Sharma
PhD in Vedic Astrology • 20+ Years Experience
Distinguished Vedic astrologer specializing in natal chart analysis, predictive astrology, and Vedic remedial measures. Trusted by thousands for accurate Astrology interpretations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Tithis
Related Calculators
Career Report Bundle
Get your personalized Vedic astrology report prepared by expert astrologers.