Sankashti October 2023: Auspicious Dates & Significance

Sankashti Chaturthi, a significant Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Ganesha, falls on the fourth day after the full moon each month. It is considered highly auspicious and is celebrated with fervor and devotion by devotees of Lord Ganesha. One of the most anticipated Sankashti Chaturthi falls in October 2023. In this article, we will delve into the significance of Sankashti Chaturthi, highlight the auspicious dates for October 2023, and explore various rituals and customs associated with this festival.

Significance of Sankashti Chaturthi:

Sankashti Chaturthi is believed to be an opportune day to seek the blessings of Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and the god of wisdom and prosperity. Devotees observe fasts and perform special prayers on this day to seek Ganesha’s blessings for success, happiness, and protection from evil forces. It is said that observing the Sankashti Chaturthi fast with devotion can fulfill one’s desires and bring prosperity and well-being to their lives.

October 2023 Sankashti Chaturthi Dates:

For the month of October 2023, Sankashti Chaturthi falls on the following auspicious dates:

• 6th October 2023 (Friday) – Angarki Sankashti Chaturthi
• 5th November 2023 (Sunday)

Devotees eagerly await these dates to observe the Sankashti Chaturthi fast and seek the blessings of Lord Ganesha.

Rituals and Customs:

On Sankashti Chaturthi, devotees wake up early in the morning, take a holy bath, and wear clean clothes. They visit a Ganesha temple or set up a small altar at home with a Ganesha idol. Special prayers, including the chanting of Ganesha mantras and offering of modaks (sweet dumplings), durva grass, and hibiscus flowers are made to seek the deity’s blessings.

Devotees observe a day-long fast without consuming food made with grains and legumes. Some people choose to consume fruits, milk, and certain fasting-friendly foods during this period. The fast is broken only after sighting the moon in the evening and performing the evening prayers dedicated to Lord Ganesha.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):

1. What is Sankashti Chaturthi?
   Sankashti Chaturthi is a monthly Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Ganesha, observed on the fourth day after the full moon.

2. Why is Sankashti Chaturthi significant?
   It is believed that observing this fast can remove obstacles, fulfill desires, and bring prosperity and well-being.

3. What are the auspicious dates for Sankashti Chaturthi in October 2023?
   The dates for October 2023 are 6th October (Angarki Sankashti Chaturthi) and 5th November.

4. What are the common rituals observed on Sankashti Chaturthi?
   Common rituals include fasting, prayers, offering of modaks and durva grass, and visiting Ganesha temples.

5. Can anyone observe Sankashti Chaturthi fast?
   Yes, anyone can observe the fast irrespective of age or gender, with devotion and faith in Lord Ganesha.

6. Is there any specific mantra to chant on Sankashti Chaturthi?
   The most common mantra chanted on this day is the “Ganesh Gayatri mantra” or the “Om Gam Ganapataye Namaha.”

7. Are there any specific foods to consume during the Sankashti Chaturthi fast?
   Fruits, milk, nuts, and certain fasting-friendly foods like sabudana khichdi are commonly consumed during the fast.
   8. What is the significance of Angarki Sankashti Chaturthi?
   Angarki Sankashti Chaturthi is considered highly auspicious as it falls on a Tuesday, which is dedicated to Lord Hanuman.

8. Can Sankashti Chaturthi be observed without fasting?
   While fasting is a common practice, those unable to fast can still observe the day by performing prayers and visiting Ganesha temples.

9. How does one conclude the Sankashti Chaturthi fast?
   The fast is traditionally broken after sighting the moon in the evening and offering prayers to Lord Ganesha.

Observing Sankashti Chaturthi with sincerity, devotion, and faith is believed to bring blessings and prosperity into one’s life. Devotees look forward to these auspicious days to express their reverence and seek guidance and protection from Lord Ganesha.