Bhalachandra Sankashti Chaturthi 2025: Date, Moonrise Timings, Rituals and Significance

Bhalachandra Sankashti Chaturthi 2025: Date, Time, Rituals and Significance

Bhalachandra Sankashti Chaturthi is an auspicious Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Ganesha. In 2025, it falls on Monday, March 17.

Bhalachandra Sankashti Chaturthi 2025: Date and Time 

As per the Amanta Hindu calendar, this Chaturthi occurs on Krishna Paksha Chaturthi of the Phalguna month (which corresponds to the Purnimanta Chaitra month). Hindu religious scriptures emphasize that fasting on Bhalachandra Sankashti Chaturthi helps overcome life’s difficulties and obstacles.

Devotees observe this fast for either 4 years or 13 years, after which a special concluding ritual, known as Udyapana, is performed. The fast is observed on the Chandradayavyapini Chaturthi, meaning the Chaturthi that extends into the moonrise period. If this Chaturthi spans two days, the first day is chosen for fasting.

Bhalachandra Sankashti Vrat Vidhi (Fasting and Rituals)

• Morning Rituals: Begin the day with a holy bath and wear clean clothes. Meditate on Lord Ganesha and take a pledge to observe the fast with sincerity.
• Evening Preparations: Before moonrise, take another bath and set up a sacred altar. Place an idol of Lord Ganesha made of gold, silver, or clay.
• Ganesha Puja: Perform the Shodashopachara Puja (16-step worship) for Lord Ganesha. Offer Modak (sweet dumplings), betel nut, Moonga (coral), and Durva grass, as these are dear to Ganesha.
• Moonrise Rituals: Once the moon rises, offer Arghya (water oblation) and Naivedya (food offering) to Chandra Deva (Moon God).
• Brahmin Bhoj (Feeding the Brahmins): As per tradition, organizing a Brahmin feast is considered auspicious.
• Breaking the Fast: After completing all rituals, the fast is broken with simple, satvik food. Oily and heavy foods are strictly avoided during this vrat.