Shravana Shukla Chaturthi, an auspicious day in the Hindu calendar, is celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm. Celebrated with immense devotion, this festival involves various rituals and observances that reflect the deep faith in the elephant-headed deity. Shravana Shukla Chaturthi is another name for Vinayaka Chaturthi which falls in the month of Shravan. This sacred day is observed on the fourth day of the waxing phase of the moon in the month of Shravana, a month known for its numerous festivals and religious observances. This year, Shravana Shukla Chaturthi will be observed on August 7. In this article, we’ll detail you about the Shravana Shukla Chaturthi date, tithi, significance and rituals. When Is Vinayaka Chaturthi 2024? How Is It Different From Sankashti Chaturthi? Here’s All You Need To Know About the Festival To Worship Lord Ganesha.

Shravana Shukla Chaturthi Date and Tithi

This year, Shravana Shukla Chaturthi will begin on August 7 at 10:05 PM and end on August 9 at 12:36 AM. During the upcoming Chaturthi, devotees can worship Lord Ganesha from 11:07 AM to 1:46 PM.

Shravana Shukla Chaturthi Significance

Shravana Shukla Chaturthi holds profound significance in Hinduism. Lord Ganesha is known as Vighnaharta, the remover of obstacles, and is invoked at the beginning of new ventures, marriages, and other significant events. Worshipping Ganesha on Shravana Shukla Chaturthi is believed to ensure success and remove hindrances. Ganesha is also revered as the god of wisdom, intellect, and prosperity. Devotees seek his blessings for intellectual growth, success in academic pursuits, and overall well-being. The festival is deeply embedded in cultural traditions, fostering a sense of community and togetherness. Families gather to perform rituals, share meals, and participate in cultural activities, strengthening social bonds.

Shravana Shukla Chaturthi Rituals

The rituals associated with Shravana Shukla Chaturthi are performed with meticulous care and devotion. Here are some of the key practices:

Ganesha Idol Worship: Devotees bring home or visit temples to offer prayers to Lord Ganesha idols. The idol is adorned with flowers, garlands, and turmeric paste, and special attention is given to decorating the idol and the altar.

Sankashti Chaturthi Vrat: Observing a fast, known as Sankashti Chaturthi Vrat, is a significant aspect of this day. Devotees abstain from consuming food and water until they perform the evening puja and see the moon. The fast is broken after offering prayers to the moon.

Recitation of Ganesha Mantras: Chanting mantras and reading sacred texts dedicated to Lord Ganesha, such as the Ganesha Atharvashirsha, are integral parts of the rituals. These recitations are believed to invoke the blessings of the deity.

Offering Prasad: Special offerings or prasad are prepared, typically including modaks, which are considered Lord Ganesha’s favourite. Other offerings may include fruits, coconut, and jaggery.

Ganapati Homam: Performing a homam (fire ritual) dedicated to Lord Ganesha is another important ritual. Devotees chant hymns and offer ghee, rice, and other sacred items into the fire, seeking divine blessings.

Shravana Shukla Chaturthi is a day of immense spiritual importance dedicated to the worship of Lord Ganesha. On August 7, 2024, devotees will come together to perform rituals, offer prayers, and celebrate the presence of Ganesha in their lives. The festival highlights the religious and cultural richness of Hindu traditions and serves as a reminder of the enduring relevance of devotion, wisdom, and community in contemporary life. As families and communities gather to honour Ganesha, the spirit of Shravana Shukla Chaturthi continues to inspire faith, prosperity, and harmony.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 06, 2024 12:02 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).