Hartalika and Ganesh Chaturthi will be celebrated on the same day this year, on Monday. Founder of Shani Shaktipeeth and Astronomy Park at Shri Kshetra Chauki, Jyotish Acharya Bhupesh Gadge, said the rare coincidence has occurred because of the timing of the lunar tithis. The Hartalika Puja muhurta is from 6.05 am to 7.06 am, while the Ganesh Sthapana muhurta is from 11.11 am to 1.37 pm on Monday. If the rituals cannot be performed during these timings, they can be performed before noon or up to the end of Bhadra Kaal at 7.20 pm, Gadge said. Explaining the reason for the unusual coincidence, Gadge said Tritiya Tithi will prevail from 7.08 am on September 13 to 7.06 am on September 14. Chaturthi Tithi will begin at 7.07 am on September 14. Hartalika is observed based on the Tithi prevailing at sunrise. Since Tritiya will September 14, Hartalika will be observed that day.

 

At the same time, Chaturthi will prevail during the Madhyanha Kaal, which is the prescribed period for Ganesh Chaturthi. Hence, both festivals will fall on the same day. Gadge said the convergence has special religious importance. Hartalika represents Goddess Parvati’s. Lord Ganesha is the son of Shiva and Parvati. He is worshipped as Vighnaharta, the remover of obstacles. And, Hartalika and Ganesh Chaturti are on Monday, which is the day of worshipping Shiva. “This year, Shiva, Shakti and their son Ganesha will be worshipped on the same day. It is considered a highly auspicious combination,” Gadge said. According to Gadge, scriptures prescribe that Hartalika Puja should be performed first in the morning. Lord Ganesha should then be installed during the Madhyanha Kaal.