2496 Krichchhra Chaturthi fasting date for Lancaster, California, United States

2496 Krichchhra Chaturthi

Shukla Paksha Chaturthi of the Margashirsha month is observed as Krichchhra Chaturthi. According to the Skanda Purana, this Vrat should be observed continuously for four years, beginning from Krichchhra Chaturthi and then concluded with a formal Udyapana, i.e., completion ritual. During this observance, Lord Ganesha is worshipped with full devotion. This sacred Vrat of Lord Ganesha is said to be highly powerful, and by observing it faithfully, one attains success and accomplishment in every sphere of life. As Lord Ganesha is the remover of all obstacles, His blessings dispel every form of difficulty and hindrance.

In the first year of the observance, devotees observing the fast should eat once during the day on each Chaturthi. In the second year, they should eat once at night. In the third year, the Vrat should be observed by eating only unsolicited food, known as Ayachita Anna. In the fourth year, complete fasting should be observed, spending the day in the remembrance and chanting of Lord Ganesha's name. After completing the observance for four consecutive years, the Udyapana should be performed. The remaining procedure is similar to that of other Chaturthi fasts.

Krichchhra Chaturthi Vrat Puja Vidhi

A simple method of fasting on the day of Margashirsha Shukla Chaturthi has been described. However, there may be minor variations based on regional or family traditions.

• First, after taking a bath early in the morning, wear clean and pure clothes and take a Sankalpa to observe the Vrat.
• In your home shrine or a Ganesha temple, spread a red cloth on a wooden platform and install an idol or image of Lord Ganesha.
• Perform Shodashopachara Ganesha Pujan including Avahana, Asana, Arghya, Padya, Snana, Vastra, Gandha, Pushpa, Dhupa, Dipa, Naivedya, Tambula, Dakshina and Aarti.
• One must offer red flowers and vermilion to Lord Ganesha.
• Offer Durva grass, pure Ghee, Modaka and Laddus as Naivedya to Lord Ganapati.
• After maintaining the fast throughout the day, listen to or recite the Krichchhra Chaturthi Vrat Katha in the evening.
• According to the Mudgala Purana, on the Panchami Tithi, conclude all rituals by performing Parana i.e. breaking the fast, in the presence of a Brahmin.

This concludes the worship procedure for the Margashirsha Shukla Chaturthi Vrat.

Krichchhra Chaturthi Vrat Udyapana Vidhi

For the Udyapana, an idol of Lord Ganesha made of gold should ideally be used. If this is not possible, an idol may be made from Haridra Churna, i.e., turmeric powder. Draw a lotus design on the ground using colored powders and perform Kalash Sthapana. Place a pot filled with rice over the Kalasha, cover it with two cloths and install the idol of Lord Ganesha upon it. Then perform Shodashopachara Pujan of Lord Ganesha using Dhupa, Dipa, Naivedya, sandal paste, rice grains, flowers, fruits, circumambulation, prostration, and prayers. Offer Modaka or Laddus as Naivedya and keep Jagarana while singing hymns in praise of Lord Ganesha.

The next morning, after bathing and wearing clean clothes, invite a qualified Acharya to perform the Havan. Under the guidance of the Acharya or independently offer Ahuti, i.e., oblations using sesame seeds, rice, barley, yellow mustard seeds, ghee and sugar. Invoke the following sixteen divine names during the Havan - Gana, Ganadhipa, Kushmanda, Tripurantaka, Lambodara, Ekadanta, Rukmadanshtra, Vighnapa, Brahma, Yama, Varuna, Soma, Surya, Hutashana, Gandhamadi and Parameshthi. Precede each name with the sacred syllable Om and the fourth case ending - aya Namah e.g., Om Yamaya Namah।, Om Varunaya Namah।, etc., offering one oblation for each name. Complete the ritual with a final oblation, called Purnahuti.

Afterward, worship the Dikpalas known as guardians of the directions. Offer Laddu and Kheer to 24 Brahmins. As per your capacity, donate a cow and calf to the Acharya and give Dakshina to other Brahmins. Bow to them, circumambulate and respectfully bid them farewell. Finally, partake of sacred food with your family and friends. By performing this Vrat with proper rituals and devotion, the devotee is blessed by Lord Ganesha with prosperity and success in this world and ultimately attains Moksha or liberation.