Sankashti Chaturthi, a significant Hindu festival, honors Lord Ganesha, the beloved elephant-headed deity. Celebrated on the fourth day (Chaturthi) after the full moon (Purnima) or new moon (Amavasya) in each lunar month, it holds deep religious and cultural importance.
Significance and Observances:
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Lord Ganesha: Revered as the “Remover of Obstacles” and the “God of Wisdom,” Ganesha is worshipped on Sankashti Chaturthi to remove hurdles in life, promote knowledge and prosperity, and bring good luck.
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Fasting and Prayers: Devotees typically observe a fast on Sankashti Chaturthi. This can be a full or partial fast, depending on individual practices. They offer prayers and perform puja rituals dedicated to Lord Ganesha, seeking his blessings for success in their endeavors.
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Local Variations: There might be variations in rituals and observances across different regions of India. Some devotees might observe the fast starting on the previous day (Angarika Sankashti Chaturthi) and break it after the moonrise on the main day.
Celebration Through Art: Minakshi Dixit’s Homage
While the core of Sankashti Chaturthi focuses on religious observances, the festival also inspires artistic expression. Indian classical dance forms, like Kathak, pay tribute to Lord Ganesha.
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In this context, dancer Minakshi Dixit’s Instagram post, titled “Thunga Thunga,” most likely showcases a Kathak performance dedicated to Lord Ganesha.
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Kathak: This elegant North Indian classical dance form is known for its intricate footwork, storytelling through expressions, and graceful hand gestures.
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“Thunga Thunga”: This could be the song title or a composition used in the dance performance. It’s possible the music is a beautiful rendition by the legendary Kathak maestro, Pandit Birju Maharaj.
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Choreography: The choreography for the dance is likely created by Meenakshi Dixit’s Kathak guru, Shri Rajendra Chaturvedi ji.