Sakat Chauth, alternatively termed as Sankashti Ganesh Chaturthi is an important Hindu fasting day dedicated to Lord Ganesha. This festival is falls on the fourth day (Chaturthi) of Krishna Paksha (waning moon phase), and occurs during Magha month.
Mothers fast on this day to ensure the long life and health of their children as they pray lord Ganesha.Sakat Chauth is to be celebrated in 2024, on January 29. This fast is also known as Tilwa and Tilkuta in Bihar and Eastern Uttar Pradesh.
As Sakat Chauth means Ganesh Chaturthi that removes the problems, fasting on this day is believed to make Lord Ganesha happy and eliminate all troubles in life. While worshipping, the offerings include laddus made out of sesame seeds and jaggery along with Modak because it is liked by Lord Ganesha.
The recitation of the Vrat Katha during puja, which completes the fast for women observing it, is very important. Nirjala fast starts with the morning bath and breaks after sighting of the moon. Although some people do not eat anything, others prefer to have khichdi and peanuts along with fruits after fasting.Sweet potatoes consumption is specifically highlighted. Black sesame seeds and jaggery along with rice flour preparations offered to Lord Ganesha form an integral part of this fast.
Being an important festival in northern India, especially states like Uttar Pradesh and Madhya –Pradesh to name a few observes great cultural as well as religious importance of Sakat Chauth. More importantly, devotees strongly believe that this fast, if observed with utmost sincerity, brings wealth and happiness along with the removal of difficulties in their lives.