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Sankatahara Chaturthi
Pic Credit: Sri Sivan Temple Singapore
Month | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
January | 01/06/2026 | Tuesday |
February | 02/04/2026 | Wednesday |
March | 03/06/2026 | Friday |
April | 04/05/2026 | Sunday |
May | 05/05/2026 | Tuesday |
June | 06/03/2026 | Wednesday |
July | 07/03/2026 | Friday |
August | 08/01/2026 | Saturday |
August | 08/31/2026 | Monday |
September | 09/29/2026 | Tuesday |
October | 10/28/2026 | Wednesday |
November | 11/27/2026 | Friday |
December | 12/26/2026 | Saturday |
Sankashti Chaturthi A Comprehensive Guide
Chaturthi Tithis in the Hindu Lunar CalendarEach lunar month in the Hindu calendar features two Chaturthi Tithis:
1. Sankashti Chaturthi: Observed during the Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the moon), after Purnimasi (full moon).
2. Vinayaka Chaturthi: Observed during the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the moon), after Amavasya (new moon).
Significance of Sankashti Chaturthi
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While Sankashti Chaturthi fasting is observed every month, the most significant occurrence is:
A. Magha month (as per the Purnimanta calendar).
B. Paush month (as per the Amanta calendar).​
If Sankashti Chaturthi coincides with a Tuesday, it is called Angarki Chaturthi, regarded as particularly auspicious. This fasting practice is especially prominent in Western and Southern India, notably in Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu.​
Fasting Rituals and Beliefs
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On Sankashti Chaturthi, devotees of Lord Ganesha fast from sunrise to moonrise. The term Sankashti translates to "deliverance during troubled times, and Lord Ganesha, revered as the remover of obstacles, is believed to bless devotees who observe this vrat (fast) with solutions to their challenges.
The fast is traditionally strict, allowing only fruits, and vegetables. Common foods consumed during the fast include wheat porridge and nuts. Devotees break their fast at night after sighting the moon.
Regional Variations and Names
In North India, Sankashti Chaturthi, celebrated in the month of Magha, is called Sakat Chauth.
In Tamil Nadu, it is known as Ganesh Sankatahara Chaturthi or Sankatahara Chaturthi.
Vinayaka Chaturthi in Bhadrapada is famously celebrated as Ganesh Chaturthi commemorated worldwide as Lord Ganesha's birthday.
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Location-Based Observance
The fasting date for Sankashti Chaturthi can vary between cities, even within the same state, as it depends on the moonrise timing while the Chaturthi Tithi is active. For this reason, the fasting day may sometimes fall on Tritiya Tithi (one day earlier).
To determine the precise date, it is essential to consult a Hindu calendar tailored to your location. Many general sources overlook this nuance and provide a single date for all locations, which may not be accurate.
By observing these rituals, devotees connect deeply with Lord Ganesha, seeking his blessings for prosperity and the removal of obstacles in life.
All the tithi calculations on this site are based on vrat (fasting) days. For tithi calculations specific to Shraddha (ancestral rituals), please reach out to us.