Sankashti Chaturthi 2020: Sankashti Chaturthi is considered special because it is believed Lord Krishna was born in the month of Bhadrapad.  However, the day is dedicated to Lord Ganesha. Basically, the Chaturthi Tithi falls during the dark phase of the Moon (Krishna Paksha) and observed every month but since it concurs with Shravan (as per the Amavasyant calendar) and Bhadrapada (according to the Purnimant calendar) it is called Hermaba Sankashti Chaturthi or Maha Sankata Hara Chaturthi. This year, Maha Sankata Hara Chaturthi Vrat will be observed on August 7.

Check out the moonrise timing during the auspicious day.

The month of Bhadrapad is the second month of Chaturmas.

Devotees worship Lord Ganesha and keep fast on Sankashti Chaturthi. It is believed that praying to Lord Ganesha liberates from all kinds of suffering. Ganesha is always worshiped before the beginning of any work. Ganesha is considered to be the giver of strength, intellect, and wisdom. And therefore, those who observe fast on this day with utmost devotion in Lord Ganesha ( also known as Vighnaharta) are blessed by him.

On the day of Sankashti Chaturthi, fasting is observed from the time of sunrise to the time of rising of the moon. Hence moonrise timing assumes significance. On this day, Chandra Dev (Moon) is worshipped, and Argya is performed (water offering ritual). It is only after taking the blessings of Chandra Dev, followers conclude their Sankashti fast.
Moonrise time on Sankashti Chaturthi
Fourth date start: August 7 at 12:14 AM
Fourth date ends: August 8 at 02:06 AM
Moonrise on the day of Sankashti: 09:38 PM