Ganesh Chaturthi is one of prominent Chaturthi on which Lord Ganesha makes his presence on the earth.
Sankashti Chaturthi is the 4th day of the waning lunar phase after the full moon. If this Chaturthi falls on a Tuesday it is called Angarki Chaturthi. On this day, the devotees observe strict fast. They break the fast at night after having darshan/auspicious sight of the moon preceded by prayers to Lord Ganesha. The Angarki Chaturthi (angarak in Sanskrit means red like burning coal ambers) Devotees believe their wishes would be fulfilled if they pray on this auspicious day. Also Sankashti means deliverance during troubled times, hence observing this fast is believed to reduce your problems as Lord Ganesha symbolizes the remover of all obstacles and supreme lord of intelligence. Before moonlight the Ganapati Atharvashesha is recited to summon the blessings of Lord Ganesha.
This fast is mostly observed in Western and Southern India especially by the Brahmin community (Mostly smarthaorshaiva). The fast is supposed to be strict and only fruit, roots or vegetable products are supposed to be consumed. Since the potato, Cassava/sabudana-tapioca and peanut arrived from the New World after Columbus, these three quickly became staple in Indian fasts giving dishes of the likes of Sabudanakhichadi.
