Angarki Chaturthi 2024: Date, History, Rituals

Sanatan Dharm or Hinduism is a theological philosophy with various sects that praise different lords as their Kuldaivat (family deity) and follow the ritual and belief accordingly. Shree Ganesha is one such deity who is Aradhya for the Samarth sect, even so, ganapati bappa is a favorite god of many regardless of him being their Kuldaivat and many follow all the festivals and traditions related to his fast. Angarki Chaturthi is a significant festival dedicated to the lord, which generally is said to occur once or twice a year. This auspicious day is observed when Sankashti Chaturthi falls on a Tuesday, making it even more special for devotees, Angarki Sankashti 2024 will be on the last Tuesday of June 25th.

Sankashti Chaturthi comes every month on the fourth day of Krishna Paksha, but the Sankashthi which occurs on Tuesday is called Angaraki. There are a few beliefs for the same, one of which as found in the scriptures is that Mother Prithvi and Rushi Bhardwaj had a son named Angarak. He was a great scholar and devotee of Shree Ganesh Ji, once he started penance of the Lord and pleased him. When the lord asked him to ask for a boon, he said that his only wish was to associate his name with Lord Ganesha’s name.

Then Ganeshji said that on this day when you did penance in devotion to me, people will address this day by your name, because that day was Chaturthi and Tuesday of Krishna Paksha, so whenever Sankashti Chaturthi comes on that day, it will be called Angaraki Chaturthi. Since then, this tradition has been followed and its observance has special significance.

Another legend mentions that Angarki Chaturthi derives its name from “Angarak,” which refers to the planet Mars, known as “Mangal” in Sanskrit and other Indian languages. According to Hindu scriptures and beliefs, Mars is considered the son of Earth, and the day associated with Mars is Tuesday. Therefore, when Sankashti Chaturthi coincides with a Tuesday, it is called Angarki Chaturthi.

Also read: Significance of Maghi Ganesh Jayanti

Ganpati Sankashti Chaturthi Vrat and Rituals

The rituals followed in Samarthism are systematic and have a pattern to follow, so while following the Angarki Chaturthi fast there are a few things people need to know,

• Devotees must observe a strict fast on Ganesh Sankasti Chturthi, abstaining from consuming grains, pulses, or non-vegetarian food, many even observe a complete fast, while some may consume fruits, milk, and other fasting-compliant foods

• It is advised to begin the day with a ritual bath and the worship of lord Ganapathi, devotees clean their homes and prepare an altar with an idol or image of Ganesha adorned with flowers, especially red flowers, which are considered auspicious

• Special prayers and aarti are performed on Angarki Chaturthi, and offerings (Naivedya) of modaks, laddoos, and other sweets are made to Ganesha, along with durva grass and fresh flowers mostly Jaswanda

• Dusing the Sankashti Chaturthi Vrat devotees also chant the Ganesha Atharvashirsha, Sankashti Ganesh Stotra, and other lord Ganesha mantras to invoke blessings, meditation on Lord Ganesha’s form and attributes is also a common practice to invoke similar characteristic and manifest positivity in life

• It is a tradition during Ganpati Sankashti to open the fast after moonrise, by sighting the moon and offering water (Arghya) to it, this is followed by consuming the Prasad offered to Shree Ganesha

• In many regions, especially in Maharashtra, temples organize special events, and community gatherings for collective prayers and feasting

Some Unknown Facts about Angarki Sankashti Chaturthi

• Sankashti Chaturthi is not just a spiritual observance but also has an astronomical significance, it is said the alignment of Mars, Earth, and the moon during this period has a significant impact on the energies of the day

• Devotees believe that observing the Sankashti Chaturthi Vrat can help to bring relief from the adverse effects of Mangal Dosha in one’s horoscope and mitigate problems related to Mars, such as health issues, conflicts, and financial difficulties

• The rituals of Angarki Sankashti emphasize a deep connection with nature, the use of natural elements like durva, fresh jaswanda flowers, and water in the worship symbolizes the harmony between humans and the environment

• Fasting and meditation during Angarki Chaturthi are believed to have psychological benefits, they promote discipline, mental clarity, and emotional balance, fostering a sense of inner peace by inculcating the qualities of the lord shree ganesha we praise