2026 Varada Chaturthi fasting date for Lancaster, California, United States

2026 Varada Chaturthi

According to the Hindu scriptures, the measurement of time is based on twelve lunar months. However, when there arises a difference between the solar year and the lunar year, that discrepancy is balanced by adding an extra month, known as Adhika Maas, Mal Maas or Purushottama Maas. This additional month occurs roughly once every three years in the Hindu calendar. Every Tithi of this month holds special significance and observing them is considered highly meritorious. Shukla Chaturthi of this month is regarded as especially auspicious. In the Mudgala Purana, this day is described as Varada Chaturthi.

According to the Bhavishya Purana and Ganesha Purana, just as the Shukla Chaturthi of other months is dedicated to the worship of Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, so too is the Chaturthi of the Adhika Maas observed for His worship. The merit attained by performing Ganesha Puja during Adhika Maas is said to be infinitely greater than that achieved on ordinary days. Ganesha Purana mentions that fast, charity and chanting done during this month yield exceptional results, for Lord Vishnu Himself declared this month to be His own divine manifestation. Therefore, when Lord Ganesha is worshipped on the Chaturthi of this month, the blessings of Lord Vishnu's Purushottama form are also received, making the results of the observance even more powerful.

Bhavishya Purana further states that observing the Varada Vinayaka Chaturthi Vrat in the Adhika Maas brings greater merit than all other Chaturthis of the year. A devotee who observes this Vrat with full faith and devotion becomes free from all obstacles and attains wealth, progeny, fame and longevity. Moreover, this Vrat is believed to please both the Pitragana and the Devagana.

Scriptures also mention that performing the Chaturthi Vrat during Mala Maas helps one overcome the karmic defects of past lives as well as the obstacles of the present. This month is regarded as an "Atishaya Punyaprada Masa", i.e. extraordinarily meritorious month and hence, the Ganesha Vrat performed during this period bestows a thousandfold result. Shukla Chaturthi of Adhika Maas is, therefore, not only a destroyer of obstacles but, when combined with the grace of Purushottama Vishnu, also a bestower of liberation (Moksha). It paves the path of both worldly prosperity and spiritual elevation for the devotee.

Varada Vinayaka Chaturthi Vrat Puja Vidhi

The simple method for observing the Vrat on the Shukla Chaturthi of Adhika Maas is described below, though regional and family traditions may vary slightly -

• One should begin the day with an early morning bath, wear clean and pure clothes and take the Sankalpa to observe the Vrat.
• In home shrine or a Ganesha temple, spread a red cloth on a wooden platform and place an idol or picture of Lord Ganesha on it.
• Perform the Shodashopachara Ganesha Pujan, offering Avahana, Asana, Arghya, Padya, Snana, Gandha, Pushpa, Dhupa, Dipa, Naivedya, Tambula, Dakshina and finally Aarti.
• Offer red flowers and vermilion to Lord Ganesha.
• Offer Durva grass, pure ghee, Modaka and Laddu as Naivedya.
• Observe fasting throughout the day and in the evening, listen to or recite the Varada Chaturthi Vrat Katha.
• 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.

Thus, the Vrat and Puja of the Shukla Chaturthi of Adhika Maas are completed. Observing this Vrat bestows spiritual strength, mental peace and inner balance. From the scriptural perspective, this Vrat is considered highly sacred and spiritually potent, it frees devotees from all obstacles and grants them happiness, peace and prosperity.