January-February; fourth day of the waning half of the Hindu month of MaghaHindu men and women fast on this day in honor of Ganesh, the Hindu god of wisdom with the head of an elephant, because it is believed to be the day of his birth. After being bathed first thing in the morning, the statue of Ganesh is worshipped with sweets and balls made of jaggery (a coarse, dark sugar made from palm trees) and sesame seeds. When the moon rises the fast is broken, and the moon god is worshipped and offered water. The day-long fast observed on Sakata Chauth is believed to ensure wisdom, a trouble-free life, and prosperity.
SOURCES:
DictHindu-1977, p. 91
RelHolCal-2004, p. 183