Bhalchandra Sankashti (Chaitra) भालचन्द्र संकष्टी

Vrat Vidhi (Procedure)

1. 1

   Day Fast

   Begin fast at sunrise. No grains, beans, onion, garlic. Fruits, milk, water permitted. Some observe complete nirjala until moonrise — this is the traditional form.

2. 2

   Morning Sankalpa

   After bath, sit before Ganesha murti or photo. Take sankalpa (vow): 'Today I observe [Name] Sankashti Chaturthi vrat for removal of obstacles and the welfare of my family.'

3. 3

   Day Worship

   Light a ghee lamp. Offer red flowers, durva grass (3-strand bunches × 21), modak (steamed sweet dumpling), laddoo, banana, coconut. Recite Ganesh Chalisa, Sankat Nashan Ganesh Stotra, or Sankashtnashan stotram.

4. 4

   Evening Pujan and Katha

   After sunset, do main puja with full sodash-upachar. Read the Sankashti Chaturthi katha specific to the month (Sakat for Magha, Karva for Kartika, etc.). Continue waiting for moonrise.

5. 5

   Chandra Darshan and Arghya

   Sankashti is unique — fast is broken ONLY after sighting the moon (Chandrodaya). Offer arghya (water libation) to the moon with milk, white flowers, durva. Then break fast with the prasad. Chandrodaya time varies by month and city — check the page for your city.

Mantras