Tithi 4rikta
Shukla Chaturthi
शुक्ल चतुर्थी
Presiding deity: Ganesha
Tithi Mantra
ॐ गं गणपतये नमः
Om Gam Ganapataye Namah
Shukla Paksha (waxing)
Vinayaka Chaturthi — monthly Ganesha worship. Bhadrapada Shukla Chaturthi = Ganesh Chaturthi (10-day Ganeshotsav). Magha Shukla = Tilkund Chaturthi (sesame offerings). Generally rikta tithi avoided for major work but Ganesha-worship overrides.
Krishna Paksha (waning)
N/A — see krishna-chaturthi.
Best for
- + Ganesha worship
- + Beginning of any obstacle-prone venture (Ganesh = vighnaharta)
- + Modak/laddoo offerings
- + First day of school
Avoid for
- - Marriage
- - Travel south
- - Looking at moon on Bhadrapada Ganesh Chaturthi (Mithya Dosh)
Fasting tradition
Vinayaka Chaturthi — fast till moonsight is avoided (Bhadrapada) or moonrise (other months); offer 21 modaks, durva grass, red flowers.
Major festivals on this tithi
Ganesh Chaturthi (Bhadrapada), Vinayaka Chaturthi (monthly), Tilkund Chaturthi