
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.
According to the Hindu Panchang, on the Shukla Paksha Chaturthi Tithi of the Jyeshtha month, devotees worship Lord Ganesha in His Pradyumna form. On this day, donating fruits and Kand-Moola to Brahmins is considered highly meritorious. The Jyeshtha Shukla Chaturthi Vrat is a sacred fast dedicated to Lord Ganesha, observed with great devotion and prescribed rituals during Madhyahna Kala. Scriptures describe the Chaturthi Tithi as especially dear to Lord Ganesha; hence, His worship on this day is believed to bring immense blessings. Devotees of Lord Ganesha observe fasts on both the Shukla Paksha and Krishna Paksha Chaturthi Tithi to please Him and seek His divine grace.
In the sacred texts, Lord Ganesha is revered as Vighna Vinashaka, i.e., remover of obstacles, Buddhi Data, i.e., bestower of wisdom and Mangal Karta, i.e., giver of auspiciousness. Skanda Purana, Ganesha Purana and Mudgala Purana also mention the observance and significance of Ganesha's fasts and worship. The Skanda Purana states that observing a fast and worshipping Lord Ganesha on Chaturthi removes all obstacles from life and blesses the devotees with wisdom, knowledge and good fortune.
A simple method for observing the fast on Jyeshtha Shukla Chaturthi has been described. However, there may be minor variations according to regional or family traditions.
According to the Ganesha Purana, observing this Vrat with devotion grants the fourfold aims of human life, i.e., Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha. This Vrat is considered especially beneficial for householders. When performed with restraint, faith and full devotion, the worship of Lord Ganesha brings domestic happiness, prosperity, progeny and relief from worldly troubles. Thus, the Jyeshtha Shukla Chaturthi Vrat is a highly auspicious occasion prescribed in the scriptures for the worship of Lord Ganesha, bestowing righteousness, wisdom, happiness and good fortune upon His devotees.