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.”
There are 13 Sankashti Chaturthi fasts in 2026 due to Adhik Maas (the Hindu leap month). Here is the list of Sankashti Chaturthi 2026 dates and times:
| 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
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.