
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.
On the Shukla Paksha Chaturthi Tithi of the Bhadrapada month, devotees observe the sacred fast and worship of Lord Ganesha. Lord Ganesha is revered in Hinduism as the Pratham Pujya Devata, i.e., the first deity to be worshipped before any auspicious undertaking. As part of the Shukla Paksha Chaturthi observances, the Bhadrapada Shukla Chaturthi is dedicated to the worship of Siddhivinayaka, one of the most revered forms of Lord Ganesha. According to various Hindu scriptures, Lord Ganesha manifested on this day during the Madhyahna Kala; therefore, for observing the Vrat, the Madhyahna Vyapini Tithi should be chosen. On this day, it is strictly forbidden to look at the Moon, known as Chandra Darshana. As mentioned in the Syamantaka Mani legend, sighting the Moon on this day brings about a false accusation or blemish.
In the Hindu Panchang, both the Shukla and Krishna Paksha Chaturthi Tithi(s) are dedicated to Lord Ganesha. The Krishna Paksha Chaturthi is known as the Sankashti Vrat, while the Shukla Paksha Chaturthi is called the Vinayaka Chaturthi Vrat. Observing the fast of Lord Ganesha removes obstacles from life and brings happiness and prosperity.
According to Hindu belief, Lord Ganesha manifested on the Shukla Chaturthi Tithi of the Bhadrapada month. Hence, this day is celebrated as Ganesha Chaturthi, marking the birth anniversary of Lord Ganesha. This ten-day-long Ganeshotsav concludes on Ananta Chaturdashi, which is observed as the day of Ganesha Visarjan.
A simple method to observe the Bhadrapada Shukla Chaturthi Vrat has been described. However, slight variations may exist depending on regional and family traditions.
According to the scriptures, a person who observes this Vrat continuously for five years attains all kinds of material and spiritual happiness. Mudgala Purana states that observing the Chaturthi Vrat brings joy, wealth and progeny. This fast also eliminates domestic discord, mental distress, financial difficulties and professional obstacles. Lord Ganesha is the remover of obstacles and blesses His devotees with self-confidence, patience and determination to achieve their goals.