Sankati Chaturti, or Sankashta Chaturthi Vrata, is an auspicious day dedicated to Lord Ganesha in a traditional Hindu month. The date of Sankashti Chaturti is October 15, 2011. Moonrise time is 8:19 PM. Ganesh Sankashta Chaturthi Vrata is of great importance in Marathi culture. It is known as Pillayar Sankatanashana Chaturthi in Tamil Nadu.
Sankat Chaturthi falls during the waning phase of the moon – fourth day after the full moon. Vinayaka devotees observe a fast (fasting or upvaas) on this day from sunrise and ends after sighting the moon. The importance of Sankata Chaturti Vrata was narrated by Lord Krishna to Yudhishtira, the eldest among the Pandavas. The importance of it is also narrated in the in the Narasimha Purana and Bhavishaya Purana.
Fasting on Sankata Chaturthi begins at sunrise and ends after moonrise – sighting of moon in the evening. Devotees offer special pujas and worship at Ganesha Temples.
There is a popular belief that observing Sankashta Chaturthi will bring material progress, prosperity and happiness and it will also help in the fulfillment of desires.