# Sankashti Chaturthi 2026: Date and Rituals

> Monthly sacred fast on Krishna Paksha Chaturthi dedicated to Lord Ganesha, broken after moonrise sighting and Chandra Arghya.

Source: https://www.hinducalendar.today/festivals/sankashti-chaturthi

## Significance & Spiritual Meaning

Spiritual philosophy, inner meaning and eternal virtues

Significance & Spiritual Meaning

Sankashti Chaturthi (also known as Sankatahara Chaturthi) is an auspicious day observed every month on the fourth day (Chaturthi) of the Krishna Paksha (waning moon phase). Dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the supreme remover of obstacles, devotees observe a day-long fast to seek divine blessings for overcoming tribulations and achieving peace and prosperity. The fast is traditionally concluded at night following the sighting of the moon, offering Chandra Arghya (sacred water libation to the Moon God) and performing Ganesha Aarti.

Spiritual philosophy, inner meaning and eternal virtues

Overcomes difficult life tribulations (Sankata-Nashana), removes planetary doshas, and brings wisdom, prosperity, and harmony to the home.

## Sacred Story & Divine Lore

Scriptural history and divine legends in sacred lore

Core Narrative Summary

“According to the Ganesha Purana, Lord Ganesha was declared by Lord Shiva as the foremost trouble-shooter. Sages and kings observed Sankashti vows to regain lost glory and peace.”

According to the ancient Ganesha Purana and Mudgala Purana, King Harishchandra and King Nala observed the sacred Sankashti Chaturthi vrata during their periods of intense adversity. By offering 21 Durva blades to Lord Ganesha and breaking the fast after offering Chandra Arghya, their obstacles vanished and they regained their kingdoms and peace.

[Read the full katha](https://www.hinducalendar.today/vrat-katha/sankashti/sankashti-chaturthi-vrat-katha)

## Key Rituals & Observance

Step-by-step sacred rituals and worship practices

1. 1 Step 1 Day-long fast starting at sunrise
2. 2 Step 2 Worship Lord Ganesha with 21 Durva grass blades, red flowers, and vermilion
3. 3 Step 3 Chant Ganesha Atharvashirsha and Sankat Nashan Ganesha Stotra
4. 4 Step 4 Wait for the local moonrise timing in the evening
5. 5 Step 5 Offer sacred water (Arghya) and white flowers to the Moon God
6. 6 Step 6 Break the fast by partaking in consecrated Modak and satvik prasad

## Sacred Deity & Powerful Mantras

Lord Ganesha (Sankatahara Ganapati) • Vedic and Puranic chants for peace and blessings

1

#### Ganesha Maha Mantra

ॐ गं गणपतये नमः ॥

Om Gam Ganapataye Namah

Meaning: I bow in reverent devotion to Lord Ganesha, the supreme remover of all obstacles.

2

#### Sankata Nashana Shloka

प्रणम्य शिरसा देवं गौरीपुत्रं विनायकम् । भक्तावासं स्मरेन्नित्यमायुःकामार्थसिद्धये ॥

Pranamya Shirasa Devam Gauri-Putram Vinayakam...

Meaning: Bowing with head down to the Divine Son of Gauri, Lord Vinayaka, one should remember Him daily for long life, fulfillment of righteous desires, and spiritual prosperity.

[More mantras](https://www.hinducalendar.today/vedic-mantra/gods/lord-ganesha/ganesha-mantras)

## Traditional Bhog & Sacred Offerings

Sacred food offerings prepared with devotion

🍯 Steamed / Fried Modak

🍯 Sesame (Til) Laddoos

🍯 21 Fresh Durva Grass Blades

🍯 Fresh Coconut & Bananas

🍯 Panchamrit

## Authentic Scriptural References

✦ Ganesha Purana (Upasana Khanda)

✦ Mudgala Purana

✦ Ganapati Atharvashirsha (Atharvaveda)

## Fasting & Parana Guidelines

✓ Complete fast or phalahar (milk, fruits, sabudana) throughout the day.

✓ Avoid all grains, cereals, pulses, and tamasic foods (onion, garlic).

✓ Fast is strictly broken only after the moon rises and Chandra Arghya is offered.