Chaturthi Tithi: Meaning & Significance
🐘 · Tithi 4 (Shukla) & 19 (Krishna)
Rikta (Empty)
Generally avoided for beginnings; good for obstacle removal
Obstacle-Clearing | Rikta | Ganesha
Chaturthi is the fourth Tithi of each lunar fortnight, belonging to the Rikta ("empty") group — generally considered unfavourable for new beginnings, but closely associated with Lord Ganesha and the removal of obstacles.
Occurs At
4 (Shukla) & 19 (Krishna)
Classical Group
Rikta (Empty)
Ruling Deity
Ganesha
Nature
Generally avoided for beginnings; good for obstacle removal
Significance of Chaturthi
Despite its Rikta classification, Chaturthi has special spiritual significance through Ganesha worship — Shukla Chaturthi in Bhadrapada month is celebrated widely as Ganesh Chaturthi.
Obstacle removal
Introspective
Spiritually significant
Ganesha Worship
Chaturthi is strongly associated with Lord Ganesha, remover of obstacles — both the monthly Sankashti/Vinayaka Chaturthi fasts and the annual Ganesh Chaturthi festival fall on this Tithi.
Activities Suited to Chaturthi
Chaturthi favours Ganesha worship and obstacle-removal rituals.
Favourable For
- Ganesha worship
- Obstacle-removal rituals
- Introspective or routine work
Best Avoided
Being a Rikta Tithi, Chaturthi is generally avoided for new ventures, marriage and travel.
- New ventures
- Marriage
- Travel
🐘
Ruling Deity
Ganesha
Classical Group
Rikta (Empty)
The Deity of Chaturthi — Ganesha
Chaturthi is ruled by Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and god of new beginnings in a spiritual rather than worldly sense — worshipped on this Tithi specifically to clear the way for success in other endeavours.
Chaturthi in the Panchanga
Chaturthi belongs to the Rikta (empty) group of Tithis, recurring at Tithis 4, 9 and 14. Rikta Tithis are classically avoided for important worldly beginnings, yet Chaturthi is a notable exception for devotional purposes, given its deep association with Ganesha.
People Also Ask
What does Chaturthi mean?
Chaturthi is the fourth Tithi of each lunar fortnight, associated with Lord Ganesha.
Is Chaturthi a good day to start something new?
Generally not for worldly ventures, as it belongs to the Rikta (empty) group — but it is excellent for Ganesha worship and obstacle-removal rituals.
What is Ganesh Chaturthi?
Ganesh Chaturthi is a major annual festival celebrating Lord Ganesha's birth, observed on Shukla Chaturthi in the month of Bhadrapada.
Which Tithi group does Chaturthi belong to?
Chaturthi belongs to the Rikta (empty) group, along with Navami and Chaturdashi.
Explore Other Tithis
🌱Pratipada
🌒Dwitiya
🌓Tritiya
🐍Panchami
⚔️Shashthi
☀️Saptami
🔱Ashtami
🙏Navami
🏹Dashami
🪷Ekadashi
🪔Dwadashi
💘Trayodashi
🕉️Chaturdashi
🌕Purnima
🌑Amavasya
Looking for the rest of today's Panchang? Explore the 27 Nakshatras, the 11 Karanas, the 7 Vaars, or check today's full Panchang.
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