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Angarika Chathurthi begins on April 19 at 04:39 PM and ends at 01:53 PM on April 20.Actually, the fourth tithi of the Krishna Paksha happens on April 20. But Chaturthi vrat is observed on the day when there is night with Chaturthi Tithi. The moonrise for the Chathurthi tithi happens on April 19, hence the observance of Chathurthi on this day. It is an important day in the Hindu calendar as devotees believe their every obstacle and misery can be overcome by worshipping Lord Ganesha on this day.
When is Angarki Chathurthi in 2022?
Sankashti Chathurthi is observed as Angarki Chathurthi on April 19 and September 23 this year. Angarki Chathurthi is considered to be the best among Sankashti Chathurthi days. Special arrangements are made in Ganesha temples on this day. It is believed to be the day of deliverance; that is, every plea of the devotee that is wished by Lord Ganesha after proper pooja and vrat observance during Angarki Chathurthi gets fulfilled. The person can expect a peaceful and serene life free from tensions and negativity through it. On this day, devotees wake up early in the morning, complete their morning ablutions and worship the idol of Lord Ganesha. It is customary to offer and consume Modak after pooja as it is considered the favourite food of Lord Ganesha. Strict vrat is observed on the day. It lasts from morning till moonrise in the evening. After the moon sighting, the vrat is ended with a pooja of Lord Ganesha. The vrat is broken by consuming vegetarian food. Moon is also worshipped at this time. Reading Ganapati Atharvashesha while basked in the moonlight is believed to do good to the spirit and body of the person.What do we eat on Angarki Chaturthi?
It is customary for hardcore devotees to stay away from consuming even a drop of water during the time of Angarki Chathurthi. But for many, such harsh abstinence from food may not be possible due to various problems. For them, partial vrat is recommended. Here, the devotee is allowed to consume certain food, like fruits and khichdi. Still, drinking excessive fluids and eating betel leaves, nuts or tobacco is completely prohibited. Doing any of this is equivalent to breaking the fast. Classic Farali or fasting recipes are Shabudana Khichdi, Shabudana Vadai and Coconut Chutney, Upvas Thalipeeth, Rajgira Puri and Buckwheat Khichdi. Other food items that are okay for consumption are Banana Chips, Modak and Halwa. Pal Payasam is one of the popular vrat recipes in South India. Observing vrat is as much about abstaining from food as it is about consuming the right kind of food. This will improve the physical and spiritual health of the devotee.Why do we celebrate Angarki Chaturthi?
Chathurthi is the day of Lord Ganesha. Chathurthi is the fourth day of the lunar phase. Chathurthi during the Shukla Paksha is called Vinayaka Chathurthi. Chathurthi during the Krishna Paksha is called the Sankashti Chathurthi. Of the two, Sankashti Chathurthi is the more popular and more fervently observed. Sankashti Chathurthi on a Tuesday is Angarki Chathurthi. Tuesday is the day of Mars or Mangala. Lord Ganesha has a special relationship with Mangala. Bharadwaja was one of the seven mind-born sons of Brahma. Lord Brahma wanted his sons to procreate and help with his creation. Once, while in his Ashrama, Bharadwaja saw a group of Apsaras having a bath in the river. He felt love for a certain Apsara. Bharadwaja came forward and expressed his desire for that Apsara. She, too, felt love for the sage. Thus they entered into holy union. A son was born to them. After a few days, the Apsara said it was time for her to get back to the higher world. She left the son with Bharadwaja. But Bharadwaja had to get back to his duties as a sage. So he, too, left the baby behind. It was Bhumidevi who adopted the child and nurtured him. The child grew up to become a strong and handsome youth. He sought to be with his father. Bhumidevi revealed to him who his father was, and the youth went searching for Sage Bharadwaja. On seeing the beautiful youth, Bharadwaja knew it was his son. He was happy to see him and named him Angaaraka, for he was reddish and strongly built. Bharadwaja taught him all about the different levels of spirituality and then asked him to do penance and seek out blessings from Lord Ganesha. Angaaraka did as was told. Finally, Lord Ganesha appeared before him on a Tuesday. Angaaraka asked him for a place among devas. Lord Ganesha blessed him with a position among the Navagrahas. He re-named Angaaraka Mangala and said his brother Lord Subramanya would be his presiding deity. Thus Mangala or Mars came to be. This is the reason why Angarki Chathurthi is celebrated with more fervour than a normal Sankashti Chathurthi.What is the significance of Angarki Chathurthi?
The occasion of Angarki Chathurthi is the best time to invoke the blessings of Lord Ganesha. Many planetary problems and griefs in life can be overcome by worshipping Lord Ganesha on this day. Those suffering from delays in marriage can gain respite from the agonizing wait by doing so. People who are suffering physically due to chronic diseases as a result of badly placed Mars in the birth chart can ease their pains. Problems with finances where expenses surge to uncontrollable levels despite all efforts to the contrary can be solved. The same is for debts as well as delays in getting the money owed to you. Angarki Chathurthi is also an important occasion for couples who have trouble having children. Angarika Chathurthi is the most important day for devotees after Ganesh Chathurthi, which is the Chathurthi of the Bhadrapada month. Angarika means red. Mars is called the red planet. It is customary for devotees to wear red coloured clothes on this day. Worshipping Lord Ganesha on this day removes all obstacles and awards intelligence to the devotee. There will be the fulfilment of desires and success of all endeavours. Also, all sins of the devotee will be washed away by this worship. Angaraki Vrat, unlike other vrat, does not last all day and night. It ideally lasts five prahars, four of which make the day and the final prahar falls at night. After the fifth prahar, at moonrise, a meal is taken to end the vrat. Lord Ganesha is sankat mochaka, or the one who grants relief from problems. Mangala or Mars is the red planet of courage, strength and aggression. The power of these two celestial forces combines on the day of Angarika Chathurthi. This results in a specific vibration taking over the metaphysical realm of the planet and the people in it. If a person can match his spiritual vibes with that of Mars and Ganesha, then he or she can overcome pretty much any obstacle in life.Is Chathurthi a good day?
The Angarika Chathurthi is the Chathurthi falling on a Tuesday during the Krishna Paksha. Krishna Paksha Chathurthi is interpreted as cruel, wicked or bad in nature. It is considered a good day for war or conflict-related activities like shining weapons or doing military exercises. It is also good for engaging in fire-related activities. Lord Ganesha, the ruler of Krishna Chathurthi, makes this day ideal for overcoming problems and destroying enemies. Travelling in any direction is to be avoided during this day. The waves of Lord Ganesha and that of Earth are of matching form on Chathurthi. Hence it is a good time to get obstacles out of the way but not a good time to hold auspicious events. Read about Akshaya Trititya
