Angaraki Sankashti Chaturthi and Bharani Shraddha fall together on Tuesday

Certain dates in the Hindu calendar carry special religious significance. When Sankashti Chaturthi falls on a Tuesday, it is called Angaraki Sankashti Chaturthi. This time the date falls on Tuesday, September 29. The same day also carries the Shraddha performed on the Bharani Nakshatra during Pitru Paksha, known as Bharani Shraddha. This means worship of Lord Ganesha and the Shraddha rites remembering ancestors both fall on the same day.

Sankashti Chaturthi is considered a date dedicated to Lord Ganesha. If the Chaturthi of the Krishna Paksha of any month falls on a Tuesday, it is called Angaraki Sankashti Chaturthi. It is believed that worshipping Ganesha with devotion and observing a fast on this day removes obstacles. The name Angaraki comes from the religious tradition linking Tuesday with Ganesha, and in many places there is a practice of special worship of Ganesha on this day.

As for the worship method, one should bathe in the morning and wear clean clothes. Worship is performed by lighting a lamp and incense before Ganesha. Durva grass, red flowers and naivedya are offered to Ganesha. Some devotees observe a full-day fast and break it after moonrise by worshipping Ganesha. However, the manner of worship can vary according to family and regional tradition.

Separately, the Shraddha performed on the Bharani Nakshatra during Pitru Paksha is called Bharani Shraddha. On this day, Shraddha, Tarpan and Pind Daan are performed to remember departed ancestors. In some traditions, Bharani Shraddha is given special importance. There is a tradition of performing Tarpan, Pind Daan and Anna Daan in memory of ancestors on this day. In many families, it is also customary to feed Brahmins or offer food to those in need.

While performing the Shraddha rites, the date of death of the person concerned, the Nakshatra in the calendar and the family's tradition are kept in mind. It is therefore advisable to consult the local calendar or a priest for the correct procedure.

Angaraki Sankashti Chaturthi and Bharani Shraddha differ in both purpose and procedure. One is linked to the worship of Ganesha, the other to remembering ancestors. If both fall on the same day, the timing and manner of the Ganesha worship and the Shraddha rites can be decided according to family tradition, with the local calendar given priority for the timing of religious rites. It is believed that worshipping Ganesha on Angaraki Sankashti removes troubles and fulfils wishes, while Bharani Shraddha is a way of expressing gratitude toward one's ancestors.