Kalank Chauth is also celebrated with other names like Kalank Chaturthi and Pathar Chauth. This day is observed on the fourth day of waxing moon in the month of Bhadrapada.
What is interesting is that this day coincides with Ganesh Chaturthi (a festival that marks the birth anniversary of lord Ganesha). What one must bear in mind is that one should avoid looking at the moon on this day. Wondering why? Well, there’s a story behind it.
The legend has it that the moon once mocked lord Ganesha’s appearance, because of his large belly and elephant head. Furious, Lord Ganesha cursed the moon and said that anyone who sees the Moon on this day will have to bear the repercussions of a false accusation. True to the words of the lord, lord Krishna saw the moon on this day and then he was falsely accused of stealing the Syamantaka gem.
Caught in a fix, lord Krishna kept a fast on Ganesh Chaturthi to seek relief from the curse. After he did so, he was absolved from the false charges.
Date and time:
This year Kalank Chaturthi will be observed on August 26 and 27.
One should avoid seeing the moon on August 26 from 1:54 PM to 8:29 PM. One should also avoid seeing the moon on August 27 from 9:28 AM to 8:57 PM.
Rituals and significance:
On this day, lord Ganesh is worshipped. Devotees observe fast on this day and also offer vermillion to the lord. As part of the ritual, one must avoid looking at moon during specified time to avoid inviting any negative effects. This is the day when one can advance one’s spiritual growth and seek blessings from lord Ganesha to remove obstacles from one’s life. Observing the fast and rituals is thought to purify the mind and soul, leading to spiritual growth.