Sankashti Chaturthi 2026: Date, Rituals And Lord Ganesha Puja Guide
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Sankashti Chaturthi 2026: Observed every Lunar month, the Bhalachandra form of Lord Ganesha, whose forehead is adorned with the Chandra, is worshipped.
Sankashti Chaturthi is being celebrated today, on Friday, March 6. (File pic)
Sankashti Chaturthi March 2026: Bhalachandra Sankashti Chaturthi or Sakat Chauth is an auspicious festival which is dedicated to Lord Ganesha, who is worshipped first among all other Gods before commencing any Puja or ritual. Observed every Lunar month, the Bhalachandra form of Lord Ganesha, whose forehead is adorned with the Chandra, is worshipped.
The word ‘sankashti’ has originated from Sanskrit, which indicates ‘deliverance during difficult times.’ It means worshipping Lord Ganesha on this day removes all obstacles as he is the ‘Vighnaharta.’ This year, Sankashti Chaturthi falls on March 6.
Sankashti Chaturthi 2026: Sakat Chauth Date
According to the Drik Panchang, Sankashti Chaturthi will be celebrated on Friday, March 6. The Chaturthi Tithi will begin at 5:53 PM on March 6 and end at 7:17 PM on March 7.
Sankashti Chaturthi 2026: Moonrise Timings
Devotees observe fasts and perform rituals throughout the day, with special prayers offered after moonrise, which is expected at 9:21 PM on this day.
Sankashti Chaturthi 2026: Significance
Lord Ganesha, who is considered the ultimate deity of wisdom, is the eliminator of all obstacles. According to Hindu religious texts, fasting on Bhalachandra Sankashti Chaturthi is a surefire solution to get rid of all problems. Observed for 4 years or 13 years, devotees believe that by keeping fast on Sankashti Chaturthi they can overcome all hurdles in life with the blessings of Lord Ganesh.
Sankashti Chaturthi 2026: Rituals
On Sankashti Chaturthi, devotees of Lord Ganesha observe a fast from sunrise to moonrise. They begin their day early by taking a holy bath before sunrise and wearing clean or new clothes on Sankashti Chaturthi.
Then, a small idol or image of Lord Ganesha is placed on a clean surface and decorated with durva grass, ghee lamps, fresh flowers, and incense sticks. Offerings like modaks and ladoos are made as prasad.
The worship ritual includes chanting mantras and reading the Sankashti Vrat katha. In the evening, the puja and aarti are performed. Many choose to observe either a full fast or a partial one.
During the fast, people can consume fruits, vegetables, peanuts, potatoes and sabudana khichdi and the fast is broken only after sighting the moon at night.
Sankashti Chaturthi 2026: Ganesh Puja Guide
Sankashti puja is carried out in the evening, after sighting the moon. The elephant-headed god is worshipped with durva grass, flowers, by lighting a lamp, incense sticks. Devotees also chant Vedic mantra, reading out Vrat katha out of the 13 vrats. There is one for every month with each vrat having a specific purpose and story.
Then, the lord is offered sweets or ‘naivedya’, which must include modaks, during the puja. Vedic chants include Ganesha Ashtothra, Sankashtnashana sthothra and Vakrathunda Mahakaya. After the puja is over, some organize a Brahmin feast to earn more blessings.
March 06, 2026, 06:30 IST
