Unlike festivals that wear joy on their sleeves with loud sounds, lights and sweets— Sankashti Chaturthi, one of the most sacred Hindu observances, arrives quietly. It falls every month on the Chaturthi Tithi of the Krishna Paksha, and in May 2025, it will be celebrated on Friday, May 16. On this day, devotees across India offer prayers to Lord Ganesha with profound reverence and devotion.

This specific Sankashti Chaturthi honours Lord Ganesha in his Ekadanta form, meaning “the one with a single tusk.” This avatar signifies sacrifice, patience, and the wisdom found in simplicity. According to tradition, Ganesha broke off one of his tusks to write the Mahabharata, teaching us a timeless lesson: sometimes giving up something valuable can lead to greater purpose. Devotees believe that praying to Ekadanta grants the clarity and wisdom needed to make tough life choices.

So whether you’re searching for the festival’s deeper meaning, its rituals, or how to celebrate it, you’re in the right place.

Significance of Sankashti Chaturthi

The word Sankashti means “deliverance during difficult times.” On this day, Lord Ganesha — the remover of obstacles — is invoked for guidance, success, and strength. Fasting with sincerity is believed to help overcome mental, physical, and financial difficulties.

Date and Time for Sankashti Chaturthi in May 2025

This month, Sankashti Chaturthi will fall on a Friday.

• Date: May 16, 2025
• Chaturthi Tithi Starts: 4:03 AM IST, May 16
• Moonrise Time: 10:29 PM IST, May 16

Key Rituals and Traditions

Ask any elder in the family and they’ll tell you: this day belongs to Lord Ganesha, the beloved deity with the most expressive eyes. And while it may look like just another fasting day, it's truly an opportunity — to seek clarity, remove blockages, and open new doors through heartfelt prayer.

The core ritual is the Sankashti Chaturthi vrat (fasting). Devotees wake up early, avoiding regular meals or grains. Some observe a strict fast without food or water (nirjala vrat), while others consume vrat-friendly items like fruits, root vegetables, or sabudana khichdi. The puja is performed in the evening after moonrise. Vedic mantras are chanted as Lord Ganesha’s idol or image is adorned with flowers, sandalwood paste, and durva grass. Diyas (earthen lamps) are lit, and the specific vrat katha for the month is read aloud. Once the moon is sighted and prayers are complete, the fast is broken — often with sweets like modaks, believed to be Ganesha’s favourite.

Simple Rituals and Remedies for Love, Career, Education & Positive Energy

On Sankashti Chaturthi, devotees can also perform specific remedies to attract positive energy and blessings.

• For love & relationships: Offer red flowers and light a pink diya before Ganesha. Chant: Om Shreem Gam Saubhagya Ganpataye Namah (108 times)
• For career obstacles: Place 5 durva blades on a betel leaf and offer it to Ganesha. Chant: Om Vakratundaya Hum
• For students/education: Recite the mantra: Om Aim Hreem Kleem Glaum Gam Ganapataye Var Varad Sarvajanam Me Vashamanaya Swaha *** To remove negative energy:** Mix turmeric and camphor in water and sprinkle it around your home or workspace after the puja.

Powerful Mantra to Chant: Ganesh Dwadasa Stotram

This ancient hymn is believed to invite clarity, calm, and courage:

*Prathamam Vakratundam cha, Ekadantam dwitiyakam
Tritiyam Krushna Pingaksham, Gajavaktram Chaturthakam
Lambodaram Panchamam cha, Sashtam Vikatamev cha
Saptamam Vignarajam cha, Dhoomravarnam tathashtamam
Navamam Bhalchandram cha, Dashamam tu Vinayakam
Ekadasham Ganapatim, Dwadasham tu Gajananam

Dwadasaithani namani, Trisandhyam yah pathenara
Na cha vighna bhayam tasya, Sarvsiddhi karam param
Vidhyarthi labhate Vidhyam, Danarthi labhate Dhanam
Putrarthi labhate Putran, Moksharthi labhate Gateem
Japet Ganapati stotram, Shadbhirmasai phalam labheth
Samvatsarena sidhim cha, Labhate natra sanshaya
Ashtabhyo Brahmoyashr Likihitwa yh samarpayet
Tasya Vidhya bhavetsarva, Ganeshasya Prasadatah*

So this May 16, take a moment to step back from the chaos of life and immerse yourself in gratitude. Whether you’re lighting a diya, fasting, or simply watching the moon from your terrace, remember: you’re participating in a centuries-old tradition filled with peace, wisdom, and hope.