Chaturthi Tithi चतुर्थी
The 4th lunar day · deity Ganesha · Rikta tithi
Chaturthi (चतुर्थी) is the 4th lunar day (tithi), presided over by Ganesha and counted a Rikta tithi (empty — best avoided for auspicious work; suits demolition or endings). Chaturthi, the fourth tithi, belongs to the remover of obstacles. The tithi prevailing at sunrise is applied to the whole day in the panchang.
Key takeaways
- Presiding deity: Ganesha.
- Nature: Rikta — empty — best avoided for auspicious work; suits demolition or endings.
- Though counted a Rikta tithi, it is deeply auspicious for Ganesha worship and removing obstacles; general new ventures are otherwise kept light.
- Occurs in both the Shukla and Krishna paksha each lunar month.
Chaturthi at a glance
| Presiding deity | Ganesha |
| Nature | Rikta — empty — best avoided for auspicious work; suits demolition or endings |
| Position | 4th tithi of each paksha |
What is Chaturthi tithi?
Chaturthi, the fourth tithi, belongs to the remover of obstacles. As a lunar day, Chaturthi can begin or end at any clock time, so the panchang uses the Chaturthi that is running at sunrise.
Presiding deity of Chaturthi
It is the tithi of Lord Ganesha. Worship and vrats on Chaturthi are directed to this deity.
Nature: a Rikta tithi
Chaturthi belongs to the Rikta group of tithis, which are empty — best avoided for auspicious work; suits demolition or endings. The five natures — Nanda, Bhadra, Jaya, Rikta and Purna — repeat through the fortnight and help decide which activities a day suits.
Festivals and observances on Chaturthi
Ganesh Chaturthi (Bhadrapada Shukla), the monthly Sankashti Chaturthi (Krishna) and Vinayaka Chaturthi (Shukla), and Karva Chauth (Kartik Krishna) all fall on Chaturthi.
- Ganesh Chaturthi (Vinayaka Chaturthi) — Bhadrapada Shukla Chaturthi
- Sankashti Chaturthi — every Krishna Paksha Chaturthi — a monthly Ganesha vrat
- Vinayaka Chaturthi — every Shukla Paksha Chaturthi
- Karva Chauth — Kartik Krishna Chaturthi
- Ganesh Jayanti — Magha Shukla Chaturthi
Festivals fixed to Chaturthi recur every year but on shifting Gregorian dates; several also depend on the lunar month and paksha. Confirm this year's dates on the festivals and calendar pages or your local panchang.
What Chaturthi tithi is good for
Though counted a Rikta tithi, it is deeply auspicious for Ganesha worship and removing obstacles; general new ventures are otherwise kept light. Combine the tithi with a favourable nakshatra, an auspicious choghadiya and the weekday, avoiding Rahu Kaal, when choosing a muhurat.
Chaturthi in the panchang
You can see whether today is Chaturthi on any city's daily panchang, and find upcoming Chaturthi dates on the panchang calendar. Learn about all the tithis, the 27 nakshatras, or read the complete panchang guide.
Tithi attributes follow traditional sources; for religious observance confirm the exact tithi and timings with your local panchang.
Common questions
Which deity rules Chaturthi tithi?
Chaturthi tithi is presided over by Ganesha. It is the tithi of Lord Ganesha.
What festivals fall on Chaturthi?
Ganesh Chaturthi (Bhadrapada Shukla), the monthly Sankashti Chaturthi (Krishna) and Vinayaka Chaturthi (Shukla), and Karva Chauth (Kartik Krishna) all fall on Chaturthi.
Is Chaturthi a good tithi?
Though counted a Rikta tithi, it is deeply auspicious for Ganesha worship and removing obstacles; general new ventures are otherwise kept light.
What is a tithi?
A tithi is a lunar day — the time for the Moon to move 12° from the Sun. A lunar month has 30 tithis, 15 in the waxing Shukla paksha and 15 in the waning Krishna paksha.
What is a Rikta tithi?
Rikta tithis are empty — best avoided for auspicious work; suits demolition or endings. Chaturthi is one of them.