Vinayaka Chaturthi, also known as Varad Vinayaka Chaturthi, is a monthly fasting day observed on the fourth day (Chaturthi) of the waxing fortnight (Shukla Paksha) of each Hindu lunar month. It is dedicated to Lord Ganesha in His form as the bestower of boons (Varada Vinayaka).
Unlike Sankashti Chaturthi which is celebrated during the waning moon and broken after late night moonrise, Vinayaka Chaturthi is observed during midday. Devotees observe a fast from morning and perform Madhyahna Ganesha Puja around solar noon, offering red flowers, modaks, and steamed laddoos to the deity.
Devotees recite the Ganesha Atharvashirsha and seek blessings for intellect (buddhi), wisdom, and smooth commencement of new enterprises. While observed every month, the Vinayaka Chaturthi falling in the month of Bhadrapada is celebrated worldwide as the monumental ten-day festival of Ganesh Chaturthi.