What is Sankashti Chaturthi?
Sankashti Chaturthi or Sankatahara Chaturthi festival is celebrated in reverence of Lord Ganesha. On this day, his devotees pray for overcoming all hurdles in their lives and succeeding in difficult circumstances.
This festival is observed every month on the fourth day known as Chaturthi of the Krishna Paksha, or the dark fortnight phase of the Hindu calendar. This festival is known as “Sankat Hara Chaturthi” in Tamil Nadu. The biggest Sankashti Chaturthi is known as “Angaraki Chaturthi”, and it occurs on a Tuesday.
When is Sankashti Chaturthi Celebrated in 2026?
As per the Hindu calendar, there are two dates of the month that are determined to be Chaturthi. Sankashti Chaturthi falls after the full moon in the waning phase of the moon, and Vinayaka Chaturthi occurs after the new moon phase, which signifies the beginning of the waxing phase. This festival is observed both in the north and the south of the country. The meaning of the word Sankashti is “Freeing from hardship.”
Sankashti Chaturthi Dates 2026 List and Moonrise Time
There are 13 Sankashti Chaturthi fasts in 2026 due to Adhik Maas (the Hindu leap month).
| Date | Day | Start Time | End Time | Moon Rise Time | Sankashti Chaturthi | Months |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 Jan 2026 | Tuesday | Begins – 08:03 AM, Jan 06 | Ends – 06:53 AM, Jan 07 | 09.21 PM | Lambodara Sankashti | Pausha |
| 5 Feb 2026 | Thursday | Begins – 12:10 AM, Feb 05 | Ends – 12:23 AM, Feb 06 | 09:48 PM | Dwijapriya Sankashti | Maagh |
| 6 Mar 2026 | Friday | Begins – 05:54 PM, Mar 06 | Ends – 07:18 PM, Mar 07 | 09:19 PM | Bhalachandra Sankashti | Phalgun |
| 5 Apr 2026 | Sunday | Begins – 11:59 AM, Apr 05 | Ends – 02:11 PM, Apr 06 | 09:47 PM | Vikata Sankashti | Chaitra |
| 5 May 2026 | Tuesday | Begins – 05:25 AM, May 05 | Ends – 07:52 AM, May 06 | 09:19 PM | Ekadanta Sankashti | Vaishakh |
| 3 Jun 2026 | Wednesday | Begins – 09:22 PM, Jun 03 | Ends – 11:30 PM, Jun 04 | 09:51 PM | Vibhuvana Sankashti | Adhik Jyeshtha |
| 3 Jul 2026 | Friday | Begins – 11:21 AM, Jul 03 | Ends – 12:40 PM, Jul 04 | 09:51 PM | Krishnapingala Sankashti | Nij Jyeshtha |
| 02 Aug 2026 | Sunday | Begins – 11:08 PM, Aug 01 | Ends – 11:16 PM, Aug 02 | 09:37 PM | Gajanana Sankashti | Aashadha |
| 31 Aug 2026 | Monday | Begins – 08:50 AM, Aug 31 | Ends – 07:42 AM, Sep 01 | 08:50 PM | Heramba Sankashti | Shravana |
| 29 Sep 2026 | Tuesday | Begins – 05:10 PM, Sep 29 | Ends – 02:56 PM, Sep 30 | 08:13 PM | Vighnaraja Sankashti | Bhadrapada |
| 29 Oct 2026 | Thursday | Begins – 01:07 AM, Oct 29 | Ends – 10:10 PM, Oct 29 | 08:53 PM | Vakratunda Sankashti | Aashwin |
| 27 Nov 2026 | Friday | Begins – 09:49 AM, Nov 27 | Ends – 06:40 AM, Nov 28 | 08:51 PM | Ganadhipa Sankashti | Kartik |
| 26 Dec 2026 | Saturday | Begins – 08:05 PM, Dec 26 | Ends – 05:12 PM, Dec 27 | 08:45 PM | Akhuratha Sankashti | Margashirsha |
Sankashti Chaturthi Significance
Sankashti Chaturthi fasting is a religious act of devotion to the god Ganesh, intended to eliminate types of difficulties and remove impediments in the devotee’s life. The name “Sankashti” means to relieve you from the challenges that life may give you; this fast involves praying to Lord Ganesha and performing the fast to seek happiness, peace, and prosperity.
It is believed that observing this fast with faith and strict adherence to rituals leads to the following:
- One receives the blessings of Lord Ganesha
- Negative thoughts and stress are reduced
- Peace and harmony prevail within the home
- Obstacles in life are alleviated
- Progress in one’s career and business endeavors becomes possible
Monthly Sankashti Chaturthi Forms and Significance
Below are the 13 Sankashti Chaturthi observances of 2026, each associated with a distinct form of Lord Ganesha.
Lambodara Sankashti
Lambodara Sankashti Chaturthi is celebrated in homage to Lord Ganesha, who is believed to bestow wisdom, patience and wealth. Devotees believe they will receive a monthly reduction in stress and increase their joy at home. Worshipping Ganapati Bappa on this day brings about mental stability and attracts fortune.
Dwijapriya Sankashti
Dwijayapriya Sankashti Chaturthi is associated with education, intelligence and the power of good decisions. Is considered. This day is considered to be of special importance for students and people who wish to gain knowledge. It is believed that devotion to Lord Ganesha removes obstacles in studies and career.
Bhalachandra Sankashti
The festival of Bhalchandra Sankashti Chaturthi honours Lord Ganesha’s lunar form. The purpose of observing this festival through fasting is to relieve people from their anxiety, stress and negativity. On this day, devotees pray for peace, confidence and positive energy.
Vikata Sankashti
Vikata Sankashti Chaturthi is considered to give strength to come out of difficult situations. It is believed that worshiping the formidable form of Lord Ganesha speeds up pending work. This day is considered auspicious for courage and new hope in life.
Ekadanta Sankashti
Ekadanta Sankashti Chaturthi is associated with the form of concentration and renunciation of Lord Ganesha. It is believed that fasting on this day makes a person stronger towards his goals. Devotees worship Lord Ganesha for success and inner strength.
Vibhuvana Sankashti
Vibhuvana Sankashti Chaturthi represents the divine and protective power of Lord Ganesha, and it is thought that if you do a fast on this day, you will bring more positive things into your life, as well as spiritual growth as per many devotees; they pray for peace and self-confidence.
Sankashti Chaturthi July 2026
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | 3 July 2026 (Friday) |
| Begins | 11:21 AM, 3 July 2026 |
| Ends | 12:40 PM, 4 July 2026 |
| Moonrise Time | 21:51 |
| Sankashti Name | Krishnapingala Sankashti |
| Hindu Month | Nij Jyeshtha |
Krishnapingala Sankashti
Krishnapingala Sankashti Chaturthi is the day of worshiping the powerful and bright form of Lord Ganesha. It is believed that this fast helps in removing fear, confusion and mental instability. Devotees worship Ganapati Bappa for courage and morale.
Sankashti Chaturthi August 2026
| Details | Gajanana Sankashti | Heramba Sankashti |
|---|---|---|
| Date | 2 August 2026 (Sunday) | 31 August 2026 (Monday) |
| Begins | 11:08 PM, 1 August 2026 | 08:50 AM, 31 August 2026 |
| Ends | 11:16 PM, 2 August 2026 | 07:42 AM, 1 September 2026 |
| Moonrise Time | 21:37 | 20:50 |
| Sankashti Name | Gajanana Sankashti | Heramba Sankashti |
| Hindu Month | Aashadha | Shravana |
Gajanana Sankashti
Gajanana Sankashti Chaturthi is an important sacred day to honour Lord Ganesha who has an elephant face and embodies wisdom and knowledge. Those people who participate in fasting during this day will experience joy and success, as well as enjoy better general health throughout their daily lives.
Heramba Sankashti
Heramba Sankashti Chaturthi is considered to be associated with the protective form of Lord Ganesha. Devotees perform special worship and fast on this day for the happiness, peace and security of the family. It is believed that negativity and fear are removed by the grace of Lord Ganesha.
Sankashti Chaturthi September 2026
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | 29 September 2026 (Tuesday) |
| Begins | 05:10 PM, 29 September 2026 |
| Ends | 02:56 PM, 30 September 2026 |
| Moonrise Time | 20:13 |
| Sankashti Name | Vighnaraja Sankashti |
| Hindu Month | Bhadrapada |
Vighnaraja Sankashti
Vighnaraja Sankashti Chaturthi is dedicated to the destroyer of obstacles, Lord Ganesha. This fast is considered important to remove obstacles, stalled tasks and difficulties in life. Devotees pray for success in career and family life.
Sankashti Chaturthi October 2026
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | 29 October 2026 (Thursday) |
| Begins | 01:07 AM, 29 October 2026 |
| Ends | 10:10 PM, 29 October 2026 |
| Moonrise Time | 08:53 PM |
| Sankashti Name | Vakratunda Sankashti |
| Hindu Month | Aashwin |
Vakratunda Sankashti
Vakratunda Sankashti Chaturthi is the day of worshiping the powerful form of Lord Ganesha. Worshiping on this day provides protection from negative forces and leads to the right path in life. Devotees worship Ganapati Bappa for happiness, prosperity and self-confidence.
Sankashti Chaturthi November 2026
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | 27 November 2026 (Friday) |
| Begins | 09:49 AM, 27 November 2026 |
| Ends | 06:40 AM, 28 November 2026 |
| Moonrise Time | 08:51 PM |
| Sankashti Name | Ganadhipa Sankashti |
| Hindu Month | Kartik |
Ganadhipa Sankashti
Ganadhipa Sankashti Chaturthi is dedicated to Lord Ganesha as the lord of all the Ganas. Fasting on this day gives leadership ability, self-confidence and progress in work. There is recognition. Devotees worship Lord Ganesha for stability and respect in life.
Sankashti Chaturthi December 2026
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | 26 December 2026 (Saturday) |
| Begins | 08:05 PM, 26 December 2026 |
| Ends | 05:12 PM, 27 December 2026 |
| Moonrise Time | 08:45 PM |
| Sankashti Name | Akhuratha Sankashti |
Akhuratha Sankashti
Akhuratha Sankashti Chaturthi falls on a Monday, associated with Lord Ganesh and the vehicle of Ganesh, known as Mushak, symbolizes control over your desires. An observance of a fast is believed to bring merit to those who observe this day as it is intended to aid in gaining peace of mind, self-control, and spiritual growth.
Why is Moonrise Significant?
The fast at Sankashti Chaturthi is only considered over once you have seen or had a darshan of the moon. After observing this fast all day, the devotee makes a nightly arghya, or ritual water offering, to the moon before breaking the fast.
From the Hindu perspective, the moon represents peace, self-discipline, and mental stability; as such, performing puja at the time of moonrise is believed to cause the entire observance of the fast to be complete and successful.
What Are the Rituals for Sankashti Chaturthi?
Method of Observing the Fast:
- Wake up early in the morning and take a bath.
- Wear clean clothes and meditate upon Lord Ganesha.
- Take a solemn pledge (Sankalp) to observe the fast.
- Offer *Durva* grass, *Modaks*, *Laddoos*, and flowers to Lord Ganesha.
- Chant the mantra “Om Gan Ganapataye Namah“.
- Read or listen to the *Sankashti Vrat Katha* (the story associated with the fast).
- Break the fast at night only after sighting the Moon.
Here is a dedicated Ganesh Mantra for Sankashti Chaturthi:
गणपति जी की पूजा आप इन मंत्रों से कर सकते हैं।
- ॐ गं गणपतये नम:
- वक्रतुण्ड महाकाय सूर्यकोटि समप्रभ:, निर्विघ्नं कुरु मे देव सर्वकार्येषु सर्वदा।।
- ॐ एकदन्ताय विद्धमहे, वक्रतुण्डाय धीमहि, तन्नो दन्ति प्रचोदयात्॥
What Should One Eat During Sankashti Chaturthi?
During the fast, people consume light and *Satvik* (pure) food.
Items Permitted in a *Falahar* Diet:
- Fruits
- *Makhana* (Fox nuts)
- *Sabudana Khichdi* (Sago porridge)
- *Singhare ka Atta* (Water chestnut flour)
- Milk and dry fruits
- Fast-friendly snacks made from potatoes
One should strictly avoid onions, garlic, and *Tamsik* (heavy/stimulating) foods.
Benefits of Sankashti Chaturthi
When observed with devotion and faith, the Sankashti fast can strengthen an individual from within. Through this fast:
- Concentration levels may improve
- Emotional balance may be attained
- Patience and discipline are cultivated
- Spiritual growth may be experienced
What is Angaraki Sankashti Chaturthi?
When Sankashti Chaturthi falls on a Tuesday, it becomes Angaraki Sankashti Chaturthi. An Angaraki Sankashti is a very auspicious and powerful spiritual fast.
It is also believed that the spiritual merit gained by fasting on an Angaraki Sankashti is equal to that of fasting on many regular Sankashti. Many devotees gather at temples dedicated to Ganesha on this day.
Angaraki Sankashti in 2026:
- January 6, 2026 (Tuesday) — Lambodara Sankashti in Pausha month
- September 29, 2026 (Tuesday) — Vighnaraja Sankashti in Bhadrapada month
Conclusion
Those who observe the Sankashti Chaturthi fast in devotion to Lord Ganesh believe that they are praying to Lord Ganesh by observing the fast for obstacles to be removed from their lives. In observing this fast, there is a lot of devotion, discipline, and positivity to be gained by the devotee who observes it.
If you want to enjoy the examples of devotion, discipline, and enjoyment of life, then it is possible to do so by observing the Sankashti Chaturthi fast this year.
FAQs
When is Sankashti Chaturthi celebrated in 2026?
Sankashti Chaturthi is celebrated every month on the fourth day of the Krishna Paksha. In 2026, there are 13 Sankashti Chaturthi fasts observed throughout the year.
What are the rituals for Sankashti Chaturthi?
The rituals for Sankashti Chaturthi include taking a spiritual bath, wearing clean clothes, offering puja materials like sesame seeds, jaggery, modaks, durva grass, and sandalwood to Lord Ganesha, reciting specific mantras, and performing ‘Arghya’ to the moon in the evening.
What is the significance of Sankashti Chaturthi?
Sankashti Chaturthi is observed in reverence of Lord Ganesha, where devotees pray to overcome hurdles and succeed in difficult circumstances. The word ‘Sankashti’ means ‘Freeing from hardship’.
How is the Sankashti Chaturthi fast observed?
The Sankashti Chaturthi fast is observed with strict discipline, avoiding grains in the diet. Devotees can consume fruits and tubers. The fast is traditionally broken in the evening after sighting the moon and offering ‘Arghya’.
What is Angaraki Chaturthi?
Angaraki Chaturthi is the most significant Sankashti Chaturthi, occurring when the festival falls on a Tuesday. It is considered highly auspicious and is celebrated with great fervor.