
Notes: All timings are represented in 12-hour notation in local time of Lancaster, United States with DST adjustment (if applicable).
Hours which are past midnight are suffixed with next day date. In Panchang day starts and ends with sunrise.
Kartika Shukla Chaturthi Vrat is regarded as a significant and auspicious observance in Hinduism, with its mention found in various Puranas and scriptures. This Vrat is observed with devotion on the Shukla Paksha Chaturthi Tithi of the Kartika month. The day is famous for the worship of Lord Ganesha and is also referred to as Vrat Chaturthi or Krittika Chaturthi. On this auspicious occasion, devotees worship Lord Ganesha during Madhyahna Kala to seek His blessings.
On the Krishna Paksha Chaturthi that falls fifteen days before Kartik Shukla Chaturthi, married Hindu women observe the Karwa Chauth Vrat for the long life and well-being of their husbands. This auspicious day is also known as Karaka Chaturthi. According to the scriptures, this Tithi is considered highly meritorious for the worship of Lord Ganesha and for ensuring the marital bliss and well-being of women. As mentioned in the Narada Purana and Bhavishya Purana, women observe this Vrat for the longevity of their husbands and the prosperity of their families.
According to the Skanda Purana, one who observes this fast with faith and discipline attains all material comforts, prosperity and good fortune. On this day, devotees perform Ganesha Puja with devotion and offer Laddu, Jaggery, Sesame seeds and Coconut as Naivedya.
In Gujarat, the festival of Labh Panchami is celebrated on the day following Nutana Ganesha Chaturthi. Labh Panchami is considered the first auspicious day of the new year. On this day, traders and businesspeople worship their new account books and business records, invoking Lord Ganesha's blessings for wealth and financial growth.
A simple method of fasting on the day of Kartika Shukla Chaturthi has been described. However, there may be minor variations based on regional or family traditions.
In this way the Puja Vidhi of Kartika Shukla Chaturthi Vrat is completed.
The Kartika Shukla Chaturthi Vrat is considered not only spiritually uplifting but also beneficial for family harmony, social prosperity and financial stability. Observing this Vrat with sincerity and faith brings blessings of welfare, wealth and auspiciousness, helping one attain stability, balance and fulfillment in life.