Fasting Guidelines for Ganesh Chaturthi 2024

Fasting Guidelines: Ganesh Chaturthi, a major Hindu festival honoring Lord Ganesha, will be celebrated on Saturday, September 7, 2024. This day marks the birth of Lord Ganesha, the god of wisdom and remover of obstacles. The most auspicious time for the main prayers, known as Madhyahna Ganesha Puja, is from 11:03 AM to 1:34 PM.

This period is considered the best time to perform the rituals and seek Lord Ganesha's blessings. The festival will conclude with Ganesha Visarjan (immersion) on Tuesday, September 17.

Fasting Rules

Fasting is a common practice during Ganesh Chaturthi, and there are different types of fasting based on personal beliefs and health. Here’s a simple guide:

• Nirjal (Waterless) Fasting: Involves abstaining from both food and water for the entire day. This is a very strict form of fasting.
• Phalahar (Fruit) Fasting: Permits consumption of fruits, nuts, and dairy products like milk and yogurt.
• Satvik Fasting: Involves eating simple, vegetarian foods such as tapioca pearls (sabudana), fruits, vegetables, and nuts.

Guidelines for Observing the Fast

Duration: Decide how long you want to fast based on your health. You can choose to fast for the whole day or only for specific hours or meals.

Purity: Maintain both physical and mental purity. Avoid negative thoughts and gossip, and focus on spiritual activities like prayer and chanting.

Food Restrictions: Non-vegetarian food is not allowed. Onion and garlic are also typically avoided as they are believed to hinder spiritual growth.

Simple Meals: If you are eating during your fast, keep meals light with minimal spices and oil to aid digestion.

Salt Usage: Regular salt is avoided. Instead, use rock salt (sendha namak), which is considered pure for fasting.

Hydration: For those observing a waterless fast, ensure you drink plenty of water before and after the fasting period to stay hydrated.

Also read: Your Complete Guide to Ganesh Chaturthi 2024: What You Need to Know

Follow these guidelines to observe Ganesh Chaturthi in a way that aligns with your personal beliefs and health.