Hartalika and Ganesh Chaturthi coincide on September 14 this year
The two festivals fall on the same day after 31 years, leaving many women unsure when to fast and when to break it.
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Hartalika and Ganesh Chaturthi fall on the same day this year, Monday, September 14, an alignment that astrologers say has not occurred in 31 years. Ganesh Chaturthi usually falls a day after Hartalika, so many women are unsure exactly when to observe the fast and when to break it this time.
Both festivals hold major significance in Hindu tradition. On Hartalika, married women fast for their husband's long life, while unmarried women observe the fast in the hope of a good husband. Ganesh Chaturthi, meanwhile, marks the arrival of Lord Ganesha in homes.
On September 14, the Tritiya tithi (third lunar day) lasts until 7:06 am, after which the Chaturthi tithi begins. Since Tritiya prevails at sunrise, the Hartalika fast is to be observed on September 14 itself, and since Chaturthi tithi begins that same morning, Ganesh Chaturthi will also be celebrated on the same day.
According to the Maharashtra panchang, Hartalika Tritiya falls on September 14. The Tritiya tithi begins at 7:08 am on September 13 and ends at 7:06 am on September 14. The auspicious morning window for Hartalika puja in Mumbai is roughly 6:26 am to 7:06 am. Women observing the Hartalika vrat are advised, per panchang tradition, to keep the fast on September 14 itself, bathe in the morning, take the sankalp (vow) for Hartalika, and worship Shiva and Parvati. Depending on individual faith, the fast may be kept without water or with fruit.
Since both festivals fall on the same day, it is considered appropriate to perform the Hartalika puja first, followed by the Ganesh Chaturthi puja and the installation of the Ganesha idol. The Ganesh Chaturthi puja is usually done in an auspicious window before noon, and this year that puja will also take place on September 14.
Because Hartalika and Ganesh Chaturthi coincide this year, tradition holds that the fast should not be broken on the same day. Instead, the fast is to be broken on Tuesday, September 15, after the Uttarpuja (concluding worship) of Hartalika is performed in the morning. After the Uttarpuja, an offering (naivedya) should be made to the goddess, followed by taking water or tirth (holy water) to break the fast, and then a light, simple meal.
Those observing a waterless fast should not eat a heavy meal right away. Water or tirth should be taken first, followed by milk, fruit, kheer or other light fasting foods. Anyone unable to keep a waterless fast for health reasons should adjust the manner of fasting according to their condition.
During the Hartalika vrat, Shiva and Parvati are worshipped. Women observe this fast with devotion for marital fortune, their husband's long life, marital happiness and the prosperity of the household. According to religious belief, Parvati performed intense penance to obtain Shiva as her husband, which is why the Hartalika vrat is given special importance as a symbol of unbroken marital fortune. On this day, Shiva and Parvati are worshipped and prayers are offered for wishes to be fulfilled, while unmarried women observe the fast in the hope of finding a partner of their choice. The rituals may vary somewhat depending on regional and family tradition.
