Sankashti Chaturthi 2026: Date, Significance, Puja Vidhi, Vrat Rules and Moonrise Time

Sankashti Chaturthi is an auspicious Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and the god of wisdom, prosperity and good fortune. Devotees observe a day-long fast, worship Lord Ganesha and offer prayers for happiness, peace and success.

In November 2026, Sankashti Chaturthi will be observed on Friday, November 27, 2026. The festival is celebrated every month on the fourth day (Chaturthi Tithi) of Krishna Paksha, the waning phase of the Hindu lunar month.

Here is everything you need to know about Sankashti Chaturthi 2026, including its date, religious significance, fasting traditions, puja rituals and spiritual benefits.

Sankashti Chaturthi 2026 Date

• Festival: Sankashti Chaturthi
• Date: Friday, November 27, 2026
• Day: Friday
• Deity: Lord Ganesha
• Tithi: Krishna Paksha Chaturthi
• Main Ritual: Ganesh Puja and Moon worship
• Fasting: Observed from morning until moonrise

Note: Chaturthi fasting dates and moonrise timings can vary depending on the local Panchang and geographical location. Devotees should check their local Panchang for exact timings.

What Is Sankashti Chaturthi?

The word Sankashti comes from Sanskrit and refers to freedom from difficulties or troubles. Chaturthi means the fourth lunar day.

Sankashti Chaturthi is observed to seek the blessings of Lord Ganesha and overcome obstacles in personal, professional and spiritual life.

According to Hindu traditions, Lord Ganesha protects devotees from negative influences and guides them towards wisdom, prosperity and success.

This vrat is observed every month during Krishna Paksha Chaturthi. When Sankashti Chaturthi falls on a Tuesday, it is known as Angarki Sankashti Chaturthi and is considered especially auspicious.

Religious Significance of Sankashti Chaturthi

Lord Ganesha holds a special place in Hinduism. He is worshipped before beginning important activities, ceremonies and religious rituals.

Sankashti Chaturthi is believed to be an important opportunity to express devotion and seek divine guidance.

The religious significance of this festival includes:

1. Removal of Obstacles: Devotees pray to Lord Ganesha for strength to overcome difficulties.
2. Wisdom and Knowledge: Worshipping Ganesha is associated with intelligence, learning and good decision-making.
3. Peace and Prosperity: Families seek happiness, harmony and prosperity through prayers.
4. Spiritual Discipline: Fasting encourages self-control, patience and devotion.
5. Positive Beginnings: Devotees seek blessings for success in new responsibilities and important activities.

Sankashti Chaturthi Puja Vidhi 2026

Devotees can follow these traditional rituals to worship Lord Ganesha on Sankashti Chaturthi.

1. Wake Up Early and Take a Bath

Wake up early in the morning, take a bath and wear clean clothes. Clean the puja area and prepare a small space for worship.

2. Prepare the Puja Altar

Place an idol or picture of Lord Ganesha on a clean platform. Decorate the area with flowers, incense sticks and a diya.

3. Offer Prayers to Lord Ganesha

Offer fresh flowers, durva grass, sandalwood paste, fruits and modaks to Lord Ganesha. Modak is considered one of Lord Ganesha's favourite offerings.

4. Chant Ganesh Mantras

Devotees can chant the following mantra while praying:

Om Gan Ganapataye Namah

This sacred mantra is traditionally recited to seek the blessings of Lord Ganesha.

5. Read Sankashti Chaturthi Vrat Katha

Read or listen to the traditional Sankashti Chaturthi Vrat Katha. Devotees also recite the Ganesh Chalisa and other devotional prayers.

6. Observe the Fast

Many devotees observe a fast throughout the day. Some follow a complete fast, while others consume fruits, milk and vrat-friendly foods according to their family traditions.

7. Worship the Moon

Moon worship is an important part of Sankashti Chaturthi. After moonrise, devotees offer water (Arghya) to the Moon and pray for peace and prosperity.

8. Complete the Vrat

After offering prayers to the Moon and performing the evening rituals, devotees break their fast and consume prasad.

Sankashti Chaturthi Vrat Rules

Devotees generally follow certain traditional practices while observing this fast.

• Wake up early and maintain personal cleanliness.
• Offer prayers to Lord Ganesha with devotion.
• Avoid non-vegetarian food and alcohol.
• Maintain a peaceful mind throughout the day.
• Avoid unnecessary arguments and negative thoughts.
• Chant Lord Ganesha's mantras.
• Listen to or read the Sankashti Chaturthi Vrat Katha.
• Break the fast after moon worship according to family traditions.

Fasting practices may differ from one region and family to another.

Foods to Eat During Sankashti Chaturthi Fast

People observing the vrat may follow different fasting diets depending on their customs.

Common fasting foods include:

• Fresh fruits
• Milk and curd
• Coconut
• Dry fruits and nuts
• Sabudana khichdi
• Makhana
• Potatoes
• Vrat-friendly sweets

Some devotees observe a strict fast without food or water, while others follow a partial fast.

Popular Mantras for Sankashti Chaturthi

Devotees can recite these mantras while worshipping Lord Ganesha.

1. Ganesh Beej Mantra

Om Gan Ganapataye Namah.

2. Vakratunda Mahakaya Mantra

Vakratunda Mahakaya Suryakoti Samaprabha,
Nirvighnam Kuru Me Deva Sarva Karyeshu Sarvada.

3. Ganesha Gayatri Mantra

Om Ekadantaya Vidmahe,
Vakratundaya Dhimahi,
Tanno Danti Prachodayat.

These mantras are traditionally chanted to seek Lord Ganesha's blessings and guidance.

Why Is Moon Worship Important on Sankashti Chaturthi?

Moon worship is an essential part of Sankashti Chaturthi vrat. Devotees generally wait until the Moon becomes visible before completing their fasting rituals.

After moonrise, they offer water, flowers and prayers to Chandra Dev. They then worship Lord Ganesha and seek blessings for the well-being of their families.

The exact moonrise time depends on the geographical location. Therefore, devotees should check the local Panchang for the correct timing.

Spiritual Benefits of Observing Sankashti Chaturthi

Sankashti Chaturthi is more than a fasting ritual. It encourages devotion, discipline and positive thinking.

Some traditional spiritual benefits associated with this vrat include:

• Developing faith and devotion towards Lord Ganesha.
• Seeking strength to overcome life's challenges.
• Encouraging patience and self-discipline.
• Promoting peace and harmony within the family.
• Seeking blessings for knowledge, prosperity and success.

These benefits are understood through religious faith and traditional Hindu beliefs.

Conclusion

Sankashti Chaturthi on Friday, November 27, 2026, is an important religious occasion dedicated to Lord Ganesha. Devotees observe the vrat with devotion, perform Ganesh Puja, recite sacred mantras and offer prayers to the Moon after moonrise.

The festival reminds us that faith, patience, wisdom and determination can help us face life's difficulties. May Lord Ganesha remove obstacles from everyone's path and bless all devotees with happiness, peace, prosperity and success.

Ganpati Bappa Morya!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. When is Sankashti Chaturthi in November 2026?

Sankashti Chaturthi will be observed on Friday, November 27, 2026.

2. Which God is worshipped on Sankashti Chaturthi?

Lord Ganesha is worshipped on this auspicious day.

3. Can devotees eat during Sankashti Chaturthi fast?

Yes. Devotees who follow a partial fast may consume fruits, milk, nuts and vrat-friendly foods.

4. When should the Sankashti Chaturthi fast be broken?

Traditionally, the fast is broken after moonrise and Moon worship.

5. What is the most popular mantra for Sankashti Chaturthi?

The mantra "Om Gan Ganapataye Namah" is widely chanted by devotees.

6. Why is Sankashti Chaturthi celebrated every month?

It is observed every month during Krishna Paksha Chaturthi to seek Lord Ganesha's blessings for removing obstacles and bringing wisdom and prosperity.