Sakat Chauth 2027

Puja Vidhi

Who Should Do This Vrat?

• Mothers: Primarily, mothers observe this fast for the health, protection, long life, and prosperity of their children.
• Devotees of Lord Ganesha: Families who seek the removal of obstacles and sorrows (Sankat) from their lives also keep this vrat with faith in Ganesha.

When Should This Be Performed?

• Morning Sankalp: Taken in the early hours of the morning, when the fast begins.
• Evening Puja: The Sakat Chauth puja of Lord Ganesha and Sakat Mata is done in the evening, after sunset and before the Moon rises. Check the puja muhurat for your city on this page.
• Moon Sighting (Chandra Darshan): Look at the Moon and offer Arghya only after it has risen in your city; moonrise differs from city to city, so check the moonrise time for your city on this page.
• Breaking the Fast: Once the Arghya to the Moon is offered.

About the Festival

Sakat Chauth is a deeply revered North Indian observance where mothers fast and worship Lord Ganesha for the wellbeing of their children. It takes place on the Chaturthi (fourth day) of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Magha.

The Vrat Katha (Story of Sakat Mata)

Once upon a time, in a town, there lived a potter whose kiln (aavan) would not bake his pots, no matter how many times he lit it. Worried that he would lose his livelihood, he went to the king and told him of his trouble. The king called his priests, who said that the kiln would bake only if the life of a child was offered.

The king ordered that each household in turn must send one child. When the turn came to an old woman who had only one son, she was heartbroken. She had no choice but to send him. As she bid him goodbye, she gave him a betel nut (supari) and some Durva grass and told him to remember Sakat Mata and Lord Ganesha with all his heart.

The woman said: "Do not be afraid, my son. When they place you in the kiln, pray to Sakat Mata. She protects all who call on her with faith." The old woman herself kept the fast that day and prayed for her son all night. The next morning, the potter opened the kiln and found his pots perfectly baked, and the boy sitting inside, safe and smiling.

Everyone was amazed by the power of Sakat Mata. Pleased with the mother's faith and devotion, Lord Ganesha had removed the sorrow from her life. Since that day, mothers have observed the Sakat Chauth fast to seek protection and long life for their children.

Samagri List (Items Needed)

Gather these items before starting the evening puja:

• Image / Idol: Picture or idol of Lord Ganesha (and Sakat Mata)
• Tilak & Sacred Powder: Roli, Kumkum, and Akshat (unbroken rice grains)
• Lamps & Lights: A brass or clay Diya with Ghee and cotton wick
• Sacred Water Container: A Kalash or Lota filled with fresh water for the Moon Arghya
• Food Offerings (Naivedya): Til-kuta (sesame and jaggery), Til laddoos, fruits, and boiled sweet potato or shakarkandi
• Devotional Accessories: Flowers, Durva grass, sacred thread (Kalava), and betel nut (Supari)

Puja Vidhi (Step-by-Step Guide)

Follow these step-by-step instructions carefully to perform the ritual correctly:

Step 1: Morning Preparation and Sankalp

1. Wake up early during Brahma Muhurta, bathe, and wear clean, auspicious clothes (preferably red or yellow).
2. Take a small amount of water in your right palm and take a Sankalp (solemn vow): "O Lord Ganesha and Sakat Mata, today I observe this fast for the health, long life, and wellbeing of my children. Grant me the strength to fulfill this vow with pure devotion."
3. Observe the fast throughout the day, traditionally without grains, until the Moon is sighted in the evening.

Step 2: Preparing the Puja Altar (Evening)

1. Clean the northeastern corner (Ishan Kone) of your home or the puja space.
2. Place a wooden stool (Chowki) covered with a clean cloth, and place the image of Lord Ganesha on it.
3. Place a Kalash or Lota of water near the image, along with the Til-kuta prepared for the offering.

Step 3: Performing the Evening Rituals

1. Lighting the Lamp: Light a Ghee Diya and place it in front of Lord Ganesha.
2. Applying Tilak: Apply Roli, Kumkum, and Akshat to the image and the Kalash.
3. Offering Flowers & Durva: Offer fresh flowers and Durva grass, and tie a piece of Kalava on the Kalash.
4. Offering Naivedya: Offer Til-kuta, Til laddoos, and fruits to Lord Ganesha.

Step 4: Reciting the Vrat Katha

1. Hold a few grains of rice and a few flower petals in your right hand.
2. Sit respectfully in front of the altar and recite or listen to the Sakat Chauth Vrat Katha with deep focus and devotion.
3. After completing the story, offer the grains and petals at the feet of Lord Ganesha.

Step 5: Aarti and Arghya (Moon Sighting)

1. Perform the Ganesh Aarti using the lit Ghee lamp while singing devotional hymns.
2. Once the Moon has risen in your city, step outside with the water vessel.
3. Offer Arghya (pouring water slowly while looking at the Moon), praying for the longevity and happiness of your children.

Step 6: Seeking Blessings and Breaking the Fast

1. Touch the feet of the elders in your family to seek their blessings (Charan Sparsh).
2. Distribute the Til-kuta prasad among your family members and children.
3. Break your fast by partaking in the prasad and a simple sattvic meal.