14. Ganesh Chaturthi Vrat (Fasting)

According to the lunar month in Hindu calendar, there are two Chaturthi Tithis in each month. The Chaturthi fast is observed on the following dates (thithis) -

1. The Sankashti Chaturthi - It falls in Krishna Paksha (after Purnimasi or Full Moon). Every month on the day of Sankashti Chaturthi fasting is done to please Ganesha. However, Sankashti Chaturthi during the month of Magha is very significant. 

2. The Vinayaka Chaturthi - It falls during Shukla Paksha. In other words, Sankashti Chaturthi falls during the rising phase of moon, whereas Vinayaka Chaturthi falls during the waxing phase of moon. The vow in this fast is for the entire day. 

3. Angarki Chaturthi

If Sankashti Chaturthi falls on a Tuesday, it is called Angarki Chaturthi. Angarki Chaturthi is considered highly auspicious.  Before moonrise, Ganapati Astha
The fast concludes the same day and devotees can take meal at the end of day (in the night) after a appraising Lord Ganesha. 

The fast of Chaurthi is believed to please Lord Ganesha.

The person observing fast should not see the moon as it is considered inauspicious. Moon is worshipped only without seeing it.

The devotees who wish to fast on the say of Ganesh Chaturthi should take bath early.

Before observing the fast, a resolution is taken by taking some clean water and grass in right hand and chanting the following mantra - 'maam Sarvakarmsiddhaye Siddhivinayak Pujanmaham Karishye'.

Following this an idol of Lord Ganesha is worshiped and Ganesha Asthavashesha is recitated before moonrise. Before listically by placing it on a Kalaash. This involves sixteen sequential worship, chants and aarti.

Sankashta Chaturthi, Angarak Chaturthi, and Vinayak Chaturthi are auspicious days of Lord Ganesha. Devotees visit Ganesh Temples and offer coconut, Durva, red-colored flowers (especially Jaswand) and sweets.

The fast of Ganesh Chaturthi ends next morning after offering prayers to Lord Ganesh in a temple or at home.

The fast of Chaturthi is believed to relieve the devotees and observers from problems and bring prosperity.