Sankashti Chaturthi Significance & Spiritual Meaning
Sankashti Chaturthi is the Krishna Paksha Chaturthi of every month, dedicated to Lord Ganesha. Fasting is observed and broken after moonrise. It is believed to remove obstacles (sankat).
Sankashti Chaturthi Mythology & Legend
According to the Shiva Purana, Ganesha is the remover of obstacles. Observing Sankashti Chaturthi with devotion is said to please him and remove difficulties. The moon (Chandra) is associated with the legend of Ganesha and the moon's curse.
Sankashti Chaturthi Puja Rituals & Vidhi
- Observe a full-day fast (no grains) until moonrise.
- Offer modak, flowers, and durva to Ganesha; chant Ganesha mantras.
- After moonrise, sight the moon and then offer puja to Ganesha.
- Break the fast with prasad and a light meal.
Sankashti Chaturthi Mantras in Sanskrit
ॐ गं गणपतये नमः
oṃ gaṃ gaṇapataye namaḥ
Salutations to Ganesha
Sankashti Chaturthi Traditional Foods & Prasad
- ●Modak
- ●Fruits
- ●Break after moonrise
Sankashti Chaturthi Regional Celebrations across India
Maharashtra(संकष्टी चतुर्थी)
Monthly Ganesha vrat
South India(சங்கட ஹர சதுர்த்தி)
Sankatahara Chaturthi
Sankashti Chaturthi Do's & Don't's
Do's
- ✓Fast until moonrise
- ✓Worship Ganesha
- ✓Offer modak
- ✓Break after moon sighting
Don'ts
- ✗Do not eat grains before moonrise
- ✗Avoid looking at the moon before puja in some traditions
- ✗Do not skip puja
Sankashti Chaturthi — Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Sankashti Chaturthi?
- Sankashti Chaturthi is the Krishna Paksha Chaturthi of every month, dedicated to Lord Ganesha.
- When is Sankashti Chaturthi 2026?
- In 2026, Sankashti Chaturthi falls on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.
- What are the Sankashti Chaturthi puja rituals?
- Observe a full-day fast (no grains) until moonrise.; Offer modak, flowers, and durva to Ganesha; chant Ganesha mantras.; After moonrise, sight the moon and then offer puja to Ganesha.; Break the fast with prasad and a light meal.
- What to eat on Sankashti Chaturthi?
- Modak, Fruits, Break after moonrise
- What should you do on Sankashti Chaturthi?
- Fast until moonrise; Worship Ganesha; Offer modak
- What should you avoid on Sankashti Chaturthi?
- Do not eat grains before moonrise; Avoid looking at the moon before puja in some traditions; Do not skip puja
- Which deity is worshipped on Sankashti Chaturthi?
- Sankashti Chaturthi is dedicated to Ganesha.
Upcoming Sankashti Chaturthi Dates in 2026, 2027 & Beyond
Sankashti Chaturthi is a sacred Hindu festival observed on the tithi shown. Dates are calculated from the Panchang for your region.
Times shown for New Delhi, India (IST)
| Date | Day | Moonrise Time | Special Name |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 5, 2026 | Tuesday | 10:30 pm | — |
| May 6, 2026 | Wednesday | 11:18 pm | — |
| Jun 4, 2026 | Thursday | 10:39 pm | — |
| Jul 4, 2026 | Saturday | 10:19 pm | — |
| Aug 2, 2026 | Sunday | 09:20 pm | — |
| Sep 1, 2026 | Tuesday | 09:00 pm | — |
| Sep 30, 2026 | Wednesday | 08:25 pm | — |
| Oct 29, 2026 | Thursday | 08:12 pm | — |
| Dec 27, 2026 | Sunday | 09:23 pm | — |
| Feb 24, 2027 | Wednesday | 09:59 pm | — |
| Mar 26, 2027 | Friday | 10:45 pm | — |
| Apr 24, 2027 | Saturday | 10:26 pm | — |
| May 24, 2027 | Monday | 10:41 pm | — |
| Jun 23, 2027 | Wednesday | 10:23 pm | — |
| Jul 22, 2027 | Thursday | 09:23 pm | — |