Fri Jan 17 15:20:00 UTC 2025: ## Sakat Chauth 2025: Moon Sighting Marks End of Fasting for Devotees
**NEW DELHI, INDIA** – Women across Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Uttarakhand, Jharkhand, and other states observed Sakat Chauth, a Hindu festival dedicated to the well-being of their children, on [Date]. The fast, which involves abstaining from food and water, culminated with the sighting of the moon.
Devotees eagerly awaited the moonrise, offering water, sesame seeds (til), and jaggery (gur) as an offering to the moon (Chandrama) once it appeared. This offering, along with prayers for their children’s long and healthy lives, marked the breaking of the fast. The auspicious occasion was further enhanced by the coinciding of the Sakat Chauth with both the Saubhagya Yoga and Magha Nakshatra, considered highly auspicious.
This festival, also known as Tilkuta Chauth, Til Chauth, Magh Chaturthi, and Sankashti Chaturthi, holds special significance for the well-being of children. Astrologer S.S. Nagpal highlighted the importance of sesame seeds and jaggery in the rituals, often used to create symbolic offerings like “tilkut ka pahad” (mountain of tilkut) or “tilkut ka bakra” (goat of tilkut).
Reports indicated that the moon was first sighted in Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh, around 8:02 PM, followed by sightings across various other states. Concerns arose regarding potentially inclement weather hindering moon sightings in some areas. Detailed instructions on the correct procedure for offering prayers and breaking the fast were widely shared.
The festival involves the worship of Lord Ganesha and the recitation of Sakat Chauth katha (story). The timing of moonrise varied across different cities, with many websites and news outlets providing live updates throughout the evening. The auspicious timings for various rituals, including Vijay Muhurat, Godhuli Muhurat, and others were also widely publicized.
First Piper 