Bhalachandra Sankashti Chaturthi 2026: Date, Moonrise and Significance

The sacred observance of Bhalachandra Sankashti Chaturthi 2026 dedicated to Lord Ganesha in his Bhalachandra form is regarded as a powerful support for inner balance. On this day devotees worship the form of Ganesha who bears the Moon on his forehead and who brings peace, steadiness and clarity to the mind.

In the year 2026 Bhalachandra Sankashti Chaturthi will be observed on Wednesday, 4 March 2026. This vrat is kept on the Krishna Paksha Chaturthi, the fourth lunar day after the full moon. Chaturthi Tithi will begin at 06:04 AM on 4 March 2026 and end at 04:18 AM on 5 March 2026, so the main observance and Puja will take place on 4 March 2026.

Bhalachandra Sankashti Chaturthi 2026: date, Tithi and moonrise

The completion of the Sankashti Chaturthi fast depends on moonrise and Chandra Puja. Therefore the time of moonrise is just as important as the presence of Chaturthi Tithi.

Bhalachandra Sankashti Chaturthi 2026: date and timing table

Detail	Date and time
Name of the vrat	Bhalachandra Sankashti Chaturthi 2026
Day and date	Wednesday, 4 March 2026
Lunar phase and Tithi	Krishna Paksha Chaturthi
Chaturthi Tithi begins	4 March 2026, 06:04 AM
Chaturthi Tithi ends	5 March 2026, 04:18 AM
Main day for Sankashti fasting	4 March 2026
Approximate moonrise time	around 09:24 PM

Because Chaturthi Tithi remains during the evening and night of 4 March and the Moon rises on that night, the Sankashti vrat is observed on 4 March and broken only after seeing the Moon.

What is Bhalachandra Sankashti Chaturthi

Meaning of the Bhalachandra form

The word Bhalachandra is formed from two roots.

• Bhala means forehead.
• Chandra means the Moon.

Thus Bhalachandra refers to the form of Ganesha who carries the Moon on his forehead. The Moon in astrology represents the mind, emotions and mental balance. For this reason Bhalachandra Ganesha is especially associated with

• calmness of mind,
• emotional purity,
• and steady and clear thinking.

On Bhalachandra Sankashti Chaturthi devotees worship with the intention that the mental stress, confusion and recurring inner turbulence in life may reduce and that stability and confidence may grow within.

Nature of the Sankashti Chaturthi vrat

Sankashti Chaturthi falls every month on the Krishna Paksha Chaturthi following the full moon. The day is considered particularly helpful for

• removal of obstacles,
• relief from difficulties in family and work,
• and successful completion of important efforts.

Across the year some Sankashti dates are linked with special forms of Ganesha and Bhalachandra Sankashti is one of the significant observances in this cycle.

How to observe Bhalachandra Sankashti Chaturthi 2026

The heart of the vrat lies in restraint, devotion and completion of the fast after moonrise.

Step by step method for the Bhalachandra Sankashti vrat

Step	What to do
Step 1	Bathe in the morning and wear clean, simple and modest clothes
Step 2	Take a resolve to fast, either nirjala or with light fruits
Step 3	Install an image or idol of Lord Ganesha in a clean Puja space
Step 4	Spend the day in silence as far as possible, with japa and reading
Step 5	In the evening perform a special Puja to Bhalachandra Ganesha
Step 6	After moonrise perform Chandra Puja and chant appropriate mantras
Step 7	Offer Naivedya to the Moon and Ganesha and then break the fast

Puja items and Bhalachandra worship

For the evening Puja on Sankashti Chaturthi devotees usually keep items such as

• durva grass,
• fresh flowers,
• incense and a lamp,
• modak or laddoo as favourite sweets of Ganesha,
• pure water, milk or Panchamrit for offering,
• cloves, cardamom and fragrant sticks.

While meditating on the Bhalachandra form, the devotee visualises Ganesha with the Moon on his forehead and prays that, like the cooling light of the Moon, the mind may become serene, balanced and transparent.

A simple mantra that may be chanted is

• “ॐ गं गणपतये नमः”
  Om Gam Ganapataye Namah
  which means salutations to Ganapati, remover of obstacles.

The number of repetitions can be chosen according to time and strength.

Why moonrise and Chandra Puja are essential

The central turning point of the Sankashti Chaturthi vrat is moonrise. On this night

• after the Moon appears, water, flowers and Akshata are offered to Chandra Deva,
• a quiet prayer is made that the restlessness, confusion and instability of the mind may gradually dissolve,
• then Naivedya is offered to Ganesha, Aarti is performed and the fast is broken with Prasad.

Because Bhalachandra is directly connected with the Moon, Chandra Puja becomes even more meaningful on this particular Sankashti.

Spiritual importance of Bhalachandra Sankashti Chaturthi

Mental harmony and emotional cleansing

The primary fruit of Bhalachandra Sankashti Chaturthi is linked with peace of mind and emotional steadiness. Those who are facing

• anxiety, indecision and constant tension,
• fear or insecurity about the future,
• instability in relationships or work,

may find that this vrat creates a space inside for calm observation. With the grace of Ganesha the devotee can

• see thoughts more clearly,
• reduce hesitation in taking necessary decisions,
• and respond to situations in a more balanced way.

Removal of obstacles and clearing the path of karma

On Sankashti Chaturthi devotees pray for the removal of blockages and unseen hindrances. On Bhalachandra Sankashti Chaturthi in particular,

• repetitive failures,
• difficulties arising from poor decisions,
• and obstructions produced by inner weakness

are consciously placed at the feet of Ganesha. A sincerely kept fast may bring

• confidence and patience in effort,
• and a stronger ability to accept circumstances and still move forward.

Relief from disturbed lunar influences

In traditional understanding the Moon influences the mind, emotional responses and inner stability. Those who experience

• frequent mood swings,
• oversensitivity,
• or ongoing tension between mind and family roles

may benefit especially from worship of Bhalachandra Ganesha. When the vrat is observed with discipline and devotion, it can soften agitated lunar influences and support the growth of inner strength.

Benefits of observing Bhalachandra Sankashti Chaturthi 2026

Devotees believe that sincere observance of Bhalachandra Sankashti Chaturthi 2026 can bring several blessings.

• Increased peace and steadiness in the mind.
• Gradual easing of subtle, hard to explain obstacles.
• Improvement in concentration for meditation, study and work.
• Better balance in handling emotional highs and lows.
• Strengthening of discipline, self control and introspection on the spiritual path.

When the vrat is kept not only for outer results but for inner refinement and clarity, it can leave a deep and long lasting influence on the devotee’s life.

Common questions

When is Bhalachandra Sankashti Chaturthi in 2026 and what are the Tithi timings
Bhalachandra Sankashti Chaturthi in 2026 will be observed on Wednesday, 4 March 2026. Chaturthi Tithi will begin at 06:04 AM on 4 March 2026 and end at 04:18 AM on 5 March 2026, so the vrat and Puja will be centred on 4 March.

How is the fast observed and when should it be broken
Devotees observe a fast from sunrise until moonrise, either without food or with light fruits and water according to ability. The fast is broken only after Chandra Puja, followed by offering Naivedya and Aarti to Lord Ganesha.

Why is Lord Ganesha worshipped specifically in the Bhalachandra form on this day
In the Bhalachandra form Ganesha carries the Moon on his forehead. Worship in this aspect is especially aimed at calming the mind, purifying emotions and strengthening decision making, so that obstacles can be faced with greater inner steadiness.

Is Bhalachandra Sankashti Chaturthi only for those with planetary issues related to the Moon
While it is considered helpful for soothing disturbed lunar influences, the vrat is not limited to that purpose. It also supports discipline, devotion and self reflection, making it valuable for anyone seeking a more balanced and focused life.

What inner change can a seeker aim for through Bhalachandra Sankashti Chaturthi 2026
If this vrat is treated as a step toward mental clarity, refined habits and regular spiritual practice, a seeker can gradually transform reactions, thoughts and choices. In this way Bhalachandra Sankashti Chaturthi 2026 can mark an important movement toward inner strength and a more positive outlook.