Sakat Chauth 2019

Sakat Chauth is a vrat observed according to the Hindu calendar. Its date and customary practices can vary by region and local Panchang.

Sakat Chauth, also called Sankashti or Tilkut Chauth in several northern traditions, is a winter Ganesha vrat for the well-being of children. The most widely repeated stories differ by region: some speak of a poor mother whose devotion is tested, others of a child rescued from danger by Ganesha's compassion. Such accounts should be told as local vrat-kathas rather than fused into one fabricated episode. The common religious meaning is that sincere prayer, generosity and attentive care help a family face hardship.

Women in many communities keep a fast, prepare sesame-and-jaggery offerings such as tilkut and worship Ganesha. The winter use of sesame gives one of the festival's popular names. After evening worship, devotees offer arghya to the visible Moon and conclude their fast according to household custom. Fasting while pregnant, unwell or otherwise at risk should be modified or avoided; care for children also requires ordinary health precautions.

The day is called Posh Krishna Chaturthi in the Gujarati amanta calendar and Magha Krishna Chaturthi in the northern purnimanta system. Although the record says Chaturthi at dusk, some Sankashti conventions select the tithi at moonrise. The exact fasting and Moon-offering date therefore requires a moonrise-based local check.

Sakat Chauth is valued for devotion, family tradition and the spiritual or seasonal meaning attached to the day.

Ganesha puja, sesame sweets and Moon arghya at local moonrise; fasting should be health-appropriate.

From sunrise until the moon rises, which in Magh is late. Broken with til and gur after the arghya.

Especially North India; northern Magha Krishna Chaturthi equals Gujarati Posh Krishna Chaturthi.