The day which is considered highly auspicious among all Sankashti Chaturthi days is dedicated to Lord Ganesh.
On Sankashti Chaturthi, devotees fast from sunrise to moonrise. Sankashti means deliverance from problems and Lord Ganesh is believed to be the one who can remove all obstacles and hence people offer prayers to the God. People on fast follow a strict diet of fruits, roots and vegetable products only. On this day, observers take the holy bath while chanting names of Ganesh.
Moonrise On Sankashti Day = 20:16
Chaturthi Tithi Begins = 12:48 on December 6, 2017
Chaturthi Tithi Ends = 09:45 on December 7, 2017
On this day, devotees conclude fast after sighting the moon and offer prayers to Lord Ganesh. Spotting the moon towards the end of the fast is considered highly auspicious. Devotees install a picture or idol or Lord Ganesh and offer pooja after breaking the fast. In North India, Sankashti Chaturthi during Magha month (Hindu calendar) is known as Sakat Chauth. Among Tamilians, Sankashti Chaturthi is also known as Ganesh Sankatahara or Sankatahara Chaturthi.