Angarki Sankashti Chaturthi: devotional wishes for Ganpati Bappa's blessings

The monthly Sankashti Chaturthi that falls on a Tuesday gets a special name, Angarki Chaturthi. The day is considered highly sacred and auspicious in Hinduism, particularly in Maharashtra. Mangal, the planet Mars, is also known as Angarak, and it is from this name that a Sankashti Chaturthi falling on a Tuesday is called Angarki Chaturthi. Devotees believe that whenever Sankashti Chaturthi falls precisely on a Tuesday, the day carries special significance.

Devotees believe that worshipping Ganpati Bappa with devotion and observing a fast on this day brings the merit of all the Sankashti Chaturthis of the year in a single day. That is, the fruit of worshipping on every Sankashti Chaturthi across twelve months is believed to be gained through worship on this one Angarki day. Many devotees therefore set aside special time to worship Bappa and observe a fast through the day.

Devotees also believe that worshipping Bappa on Angarki day removes troubles and obstacles from life. It is believed to specifically remedy Mangal Dosha, bringing happiness and prosperity. The day is considered especially important for devotees who have Mangal Dosha in their horoscope, as they believe a single day of worship reduces its ill effects.

Marking the occasion, devotees send each other greeting messages, prayers and hymns in praise of Ganesha. These range from the Vakratunda Mahakaya shloka to lines such as "Tu Sukhkarta Tu Dukhharta". Some messages also include the mantra "Ekadantaya Vidmahe". Through all these messages, a single prayer is offered to Bappa: that everyone in the family be granted happiness, prosperity, health and success, and that obstacles in life be removed.

Some greeting messages express the wish that, by Bappa's grace, joy, love and affection remain in the home, while others pray to reach new heights of success with Siddhivinayak's blessings. Still others express the wish that Vighnaharta Bappa remove obstacles from the life of every family member and keep everyone happy always. Many messages end with the chants "Ganpati Bappa Morya" and "Mangalmurti Morya".

On the occasion of Angarki Sankashti Chaturthi, devotees share these greeting messages with family and close ones. They send the messages to friends, relatives and acquaintances to wish them on Angarki. The prayer offered at Ganpati Bappa's feet on this day is that everyone's life be filled with happiness and contentment.