Sankata Nivarini Chaturti, or Sankashta Chauth, is a monthly fast dedicated to Ganesha in a Hindu lunar month. Sankata Nivarini Chaturti Vrat August 2011 date is August 17. Moon rise is at 9:04 PM. Sankat Chaturthi falls during the waning phase of the moon – fourth day after the full moon (Poornima).
A day-long fasting is observed by Ganesh devotees on the day. The fast begins at sunrise and ends after evening puja or after sighting of the moon. Ganesha Temples conduct special pujas on the day.
Ganesha is known as Pillayar in Tamil Culture and the day is also referred as Pillayar Sankatahara Chaturthi.
The importance of Sankat Chauth Vrata was explained by Lord Krishna to Yudhishtira, the eldest of the Pandavas. It is also found in the Narasimha Purana and Bhavishaya Purana.
Observing Sankata Nivarini Chaturthi is said to bring wealth, peace, happiness and fulfillment of desires.