Fri Jan 17 15:20:00 UTC 2025: ## Sakat Chauth Moonrise Brings Relief to Fasting Women Across India
**New Delhi, January 17** – Millions of women across India concluded their Sakat Chauth fasts tonight after the moonrise, marking the end of a day dedicated to praying for their children’s long and healthy lives. The auspicious festival, also known as Tilkut Chauth, Til Chauth, or Sankashti Chaturthi, is particularly observed in North India.
This year’s Sakat Chauth was considered highly auspicious due to the coinciding of a Saubhagya Yoga and Magha Nakshatra. The fast, observed with prayers to Lord Ganesha, is believed to remove obstacles and bring good fortune.
The moon’s appearance was eagerly awaited, with concerns raised about potential delays due to cloudy weather and rain in some parts of Rajasthan and other northern states. The moonrise time varied by location; in Arunachal Pradesh’s Itanagar, it was visible as early as 8:02 PM, while other cities saw the moon later in the evening. In Delhi-NCR, the moonrise was observed around 8:55 PM.
Following the moonrise, women performed the necessary rituals, offering water, sesame seeds, and jaggery to the moon. This was followed by breaking their fast with traditional foods like tilkut (a sweet made from sesame seeds and jaggery). Many women also recited the Sakat Chauth Katha and performed aarti for Lord Ganesha.
Astrologer S.S. Nagpal highlighted the significance of sesame seeds and jaggery in the Sakat Chauth rituals, mentioning the creation of tilkut figures that are offered as part of the worship. The fast, observed from sunrise, involves refraining from food and water.
Despite weather concerns in some areas, the successful culmination of the fast brought relief and joy to the observing women. The event was widely followed online with live updates providing moonrise times across major cities.
First Piper 