Key Highlights
- Sakat Chauth in 2025 falls on Friday, 17 January, with the observance lasting until the early hours of 18 January.
- Devotees keep a full‑day fast, break it only after offering moon‑sacrifice (Arghya) in the evening.
- Core rituals include presenting Durva grass to Lord Ganesha, avoiding black clothing, and emphasizing red or yellow attire.
- The vrat is especially important for mothers seeking health and longevity for their children.
- Moonrise is predicted at 7:32 PM on the day of observance, marking the time for the evening puja.
Detailed Insights
Sakat Chauth is celebrated on the Chaturthi tithi of the Krishna paksha in the lunar month of Megha. In 2025 the tithi commences at 04:18 AM on 17 January and concludes at 05:46 AM on the following day; consequently, the fast is observed on 17 January after sunrise (Udaya tithi). Throughout the day, participants abstain from solid food, breaking the fast only after the moon‑offering ceremony. The evening ritual involves preparing an Arghya—a blend of milk and rice—offered to the moon without allowing any droplets to touch the worshipper’s feet, a gesture deemed disrespectful in tradition.
During the puja, worshippers present Durva (grass) to Lord Ganesha, a practice believed to please the deity. Tulsi leaves are deliberately avoided, as they are not regarded as appropriate for Ganesha. Attire also carries symbolic weight: black garments are shunned, while red or yellow clothing is encouraged to attract positivity and divine favor.
Beyond ritualistic observance, Sakat Chauth serves as a conduit for maternal devotion. Mothers fast and pray with the specific aim of securing robust health, longevity, and prosperity for their offspring. The collective participation of family members reinforces interpersonal bonds, fostering a shared sense of spiritual purpose.
Key Concepts
- Chaturthi Tithi: The fourth lunar day of a waning moon, determining the auspicious timing for the vrat.
- Arghya: A ceremonial offering of liquid (typically milk mixed with rice) presented to the moon at dusk.
- Durva Grass: Sacred grass offered to Lord Ganesha, symbolizing purity and devotion.
- Udaya Tithi: The moment of sunrise that marks the official start of the fasting day.
- Inauspicious Color (Black): Traditionally avoided during Sakat Chauth as it is thought to attract negative energy.