Sankashti Chaturthi, also known as Sankatahara Chaturthi, is a monthly fasting day observed on the fourth day (Chaturthi) of the waning fortnight (Krishna Paksha) of each lunar month. The Sanskrit term 'Sankashti' translates to deliverance from difficulties and distress.
Dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the remover of all obstacles (Vighnaharta), devotees observe a day-long fast broken strictly after the sighting and ritual worship of the risen moon in the late evening. Prayers involve offering twenty-one blades of fresh Durva grass, modaks, and reciting the Sankata Nashana Ganesha Stotram.
When Sankashti Chaturthi falls on a Tuesday, it is celebrated with exceptional reverence as Angaraki Sankashti Chaturthi, believed to be the most potent day for dissolving karmic hurdles. In southern and western India, temples witness massive influxes of pilgrims during evening moonrise arati.