Sankashti / Sankatahara Chaturthi Puja

The rite

Sankashti Chaturthi—also written Sankasta Hara Chaturthi—is the lunar observance dedicated to Lord Ganesha, especially when the fourth day after full moon or new moon is kept as a vrata. Devotees fast partially, perform evening puja after moonrise when applicable, and read the Sankashti katha. Pandit Mrityunjay Sharma leads the North Indian style Ganesha puja at your Bengaluru home on the Chaturthi you choose, with moon timing checked against the local panchang. Allow about thirty minutes before the start for altar layout and for the pandit to review the samagri you arranged from the WhatsApp list.

Time at the house: 1.5–2 hours; later if waiting for moonrise

Pandit Mrityunjay Sharma does this at the house in Bengaluru. The fee is not printed on this page. It is sent on WhatsApp with the material list.

Why families book it

Working families miss temple crowds and prefer a calm home puja with children learning the katha. Monthly Chaturthi builds a rhythm of Ganesha remembrance without needing a large festival setup.

The vrata is for obstacles remembered in prayer; it does not guarantee removal of legal, financial, or health problems.

When families ask

• Monthly Krishna or Shukla Chaturthi as your family observes
• When starting new studies, travel, or home projects with Ganesha first
• Angarki Chaturthi when Tuesday combines with Chaturthi in some traditions
• Vinayaka Chaturthi season if you want an extra home puja beyond public festival

Short vidhi

1. Sankalp for Sankashti vrata with names of family
2. Ganesha pratishtha and shodashopachara puja
3. Modak or ladoo naivedya and durva grass offering
4. Chanting Ganesha atharvashirsha or selected stotra
5. Reading or summarising Sankashti Chaturthi vrat katha
6. Arati; moon darshan and offering when moon visibility allows
7. Prasad distribution and breaking fast per family rule
8. Brief guidance for next month’s date

The pandit confirms the order on WhatsApp before the visit.

Samagri

• Ganesha idol or image on red cloth
• Modak, ladoo, or sweet preferred by your tradition
• Durva grass in bundles of twenty-one blades
• Red flowers, hibiscus if available, and garland
• Coconut, bananas, and seasonal fruits
• Camphor, incense, and ghee lamp
• Kumkum, turmeric, rice for akshata
• Panchamrit optional for abhishek on clay idol
• Betel leaves and nuts for naivedya
• Water, copper lota, and plate for arati
• Printed katha book or phone PDF for reference
• Prasad for neighbours if you share after puja

The exact list for your day is sent on WhatsApp. This page does not sell a kit and does not say materials are included in a fee.

Questions

Is moonrise mandatory for Sankashti?

Traditional vrata includes moon darshan when the calendar calls for it. Cloudy skies are handled with family custom; ask when booking evening slot.

Can children keep the fast?

Many families give children fruit and milk while adults fast partially. The pandit does not impose strict rules on minors.

Krishna or Shukla Chaturthi—which do we follow?

Regional practice differs. Tell the pandit your parents’ tradition so the sankalp names the correct Chaturthi.

Is this the same as Vinayaka Chaturthi in Bhadrapada?

The annual festival is separate though both honour Ganesha. This page is for recurring Sankashti-style observance.

Do we need twenty-one modaks?

Odd numbers are auspicious; twenty-one is common but not mandatory. Prepare what your kitchen can manage fresh.

Can puja happen in the morning instead?

Sankashti is usually evening-oriented. Morning Ganesha puja is possible on Chaturthi but is a different schedule—confirm when booking.

Will the pandit bring the katha text?

The pandit recites from memory or device; having a family copy helps elders follow along.

Does Mrityunjay Sharma bring ritual items?

Families supply main samagri from the WhatsApp list. The pandit may carry small essentials like thread or camphor; large idols, ghee stock, and flowers are arranged locally by you.