Sakat Chauth
The Fast for Deliverance from Troubles

Sakat Chauth is a Hindu festival primarily dedicated to Lord Ganesha, who is also known as “Vighna Harta”. “Vighna Harta” is a sanskrit word meaning “Destroyer of Obstacles”.

This festival originated as “Sankashti Chauth” but is refered to as “Sakat” or “Sakat Chauth” in common tongue. “Sankashti” is a sanskrit word meaning “Deliverance form troubles and difficult times”.

It is also referred to as “Sankat Chauth” or “Sankathara Chauth” in certain parts of India.

Why is Sakat Chauth Celebrated?

“Sakat Chauth” is celebrated in the honor of Lord Ganesha. It is mainly observed by women for long and happy life of their children. It is believed that observing fast on this day removes all the obstacles from ones life. This festival is celebrated on the “Krishna Paksha Chaturthi” in the month of Magha according to the Panchaang.

This fast is mainly observed in the Northern part of India.

Religious Significance

“Chaturthi” is said to be a very dear day to Lord Ganesha. “Chaturthi” also happens to be the date on which Lord Ganesha was born. On this auspicious day, Lord Ganesha is worshiped along with “Sakat Mata” by mothers for the long life of their children.

Even though, mostly women observe fast on this day, it is not how the festival originated. It is believed that Pandav King Yudhishthira was the first person to keep this fast on the advice of Lord Krishna. There is a very old and famous temple dedicated to Mata Sakat in the Sakat Village of Rajasthan. It is located about 60 kms from Alwar and about 150 kms from Jaipur.

It is said that visiting this temple on the day of Sakat Chauth is very beneficial for one’s children.

How is Sakat Chauth Celebrated?

Women keep a partial or day-long fast on this day and even water is not consumed during this fast. Some women keep this fast by eating only fruits and root plants throughout the day. Peanuts, Potatoes and Sabudana Khichdi are prepared especially, to mark this day’s fasting.

On Sakat Chauth, Mata Sakat is worshiped along with Lord Ganesha. Worshiping both deities on this day is believed to being happiness and prosperity.

The pooja rituals of this festival are usually performed in the evening, when either the moon or stars are visible. The idol of Lord Ganesha is worshiped with Durva Grass, fresh flowers and incense sticks. Lamps are also lit and devotees read the “Vrat Katha”. The rituals for this day end with the sighting of the moon or stars and “Arak” is offered to stars or the moon. Finally, Tilkut prasad is taken by each and every member of the family.

Different Names for Sakat Chauth

Sakat Chauth is known by different names depending upon the region of the country.

Lambodar Sankashti Chaturthi

Chaturthi of both the phases is dedicated to Lord Ganesha. The Chaturthi of every month is know by a different name. The Chaturthi of Krishna Paksha of Magha is called Lamboday Sankashti Chaturthi.

Maghi Chauth

Chaturthi observed in the month of Magha is known as Maghi Chauth. Lord Ganesha is worshiped on this day due to the believe that worshiping him removes all obstacles from ones life.

Tilkuta Chauth

After worshiping Ganeshji on this day, food items made from powdered sesame seeds are offered as prasad. Powdered Sesame seeds are known as “Tilkuta” in Hindi. Therefore Sakat Chauth is also known as Tilkuta Chauth, Tilkut Chaturthi or Til Chauth etc.

Sakat ChauthThe Fast for Deliverance from Troubles