Sankashti Chaturthi 2026: Dates, Tithi Rules and Moonrise

For those who feel tired of repeated obstacles, confusion and unseen pressures, Sankashti Chaturthi offers a simple yet powerful monthly practice. Observed on the Krishna Paksha Chaturthi of every lunar month, this vrat is dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. The very word Sankashti implies relief from difficulties and the observance is meant to support the devotee in reducing karmic burdens and moving towards steadier progress.

The unique feature of Sankashti Chaturthi is that the fast is never broken at sunset. It is completed only after the devotee has seen the Moon and offered worship. For this reason, knowing the correct moonrise time each month becomes a central part of observing Sankashti properly. In 2026 there will be twelve Sankashti Chaturthi dates, including one special Angarki Sankashti that falls on a Tuesday.

All Sankashti Chaturthi 2026 dates at a glance

The following table lists all Sankashti Chaturthi dates for the year 2026, so that monthly observances can be planned in advance.

Month	Date	Day
January 2026	7 January 2026	Wednesday
February 2026	6 February 2026	Friday
March 2026	8 March 2026	Sunday
April 2026	6 April 2026	Monday
May 2026	6 May 2026	Wednesday
June 2026	4 June 2026	Thursday
July 2026	4 July 2026	Saturday
August 2026	2 August 2026	Sunday
September 2026	1 September 2026	Tuesday
October 2026	30 October 2026	Friday
November 2026	29 November 2026	Sunday
December 2026	28 December 2026	Monday

On each of these dates the Sankashti fast is kept according to Krishna Paksha Chaturthi Tithi and the moonrise timing. Because moonrise varies by location, it is always wise to check the local timing for one’s own city before each Sankashti.

When is Angarki Sankashti in 2026 and why is it special

When Sankashti Chaturthi falls on a Tuesday, it is known as Angarki Sankashti. The planet Mars is also called Angaraka and the name reflects this association.

For 2026 the Angarki Sankashti date is as follows.

Special Sankashti	Date	Day
Angarki Sankashti	1 September 2026	Tuesday

Tradition teaches that the vrat kept on this day is especially powerful and fruitful. Those facing long standing struggles in areas such as legal issues, business blockages or health challenges often choose to observe Angarki Sankashti with extra focus and devotion.

What is the Tithi rule for Sankashti Chaturthi

The observance of Sankashti Chaturthi is governed by both the Chaturthi Tithi and the moonrise.

• The vrat is linked to Krishna Paksha Chaturthi, the fourth lunar day of the dark fortnight.
• The fast is kept on the date when Chaturthi Tithi is in effect at the time of moonrise.
• The fast is broken only after sighting the Moon and never merely at sunset.

In rare cases when Chaturthi is not present at moonrise, traditional rules are followed to decide which date carries the Sankashti observance. For most devotees it is sufficient to follow a reliable Panchang or trusted guidance for the monthly date.

Why is moonrise so central in Sankashti Chaturthi

Sankashti Chaturthi is essentially a moonrise based vrat.

• The day long fast, restraint and prayers are seen as preparation.
• The completion of the vrat takes place only when the Moon is actually seen in the sky and honoured.
• After offering water to the Moon, the devotee returns to Ganesha’s altar, completes the worship and breaks the fast.

Since the Moon is the significator of the mind and emotions, this act symbolises offering mental restlessness, fears and blockages at the feet of Lord Ganesha. Because moonrise time changes with place, it is important to know the correct timing for each location on every Sankashti.

How to observe the Sankashti Chaturthi vrat from morning to night

Devotees who wish to keep this fast can follow a clear yet balanced procedure.

Morning observances

• Wake up early, bathe and wear clean, sattvic clothes.
• Sit in the home shrine or a quiet place and take a sankalpa for the Sankashti fast.
• Resolve to avoid grains, heavy food and negative speech as far as possible during the day.

Some people remain only on water, some on milk or fruits and some on one light meal. The type of fast should always be chosen with honesty about one’s health and strength.

Evening worship of Lord Ganesha

• Around or after sunset, freshen up or bathe again if possible and prepare for puja.
• Place an image or idol of Lord Ganesha on a clean altar or seat.
• Light a lamp and incense and keep a small water vessel for use in the puja.
• Offer durva grass, red or yellow flowers to Lord Ganesha.
• Place modak, laddoo or other available sweets as naivedya.
• Recite Ganapati Atharvashirsha, a Ganesha mantra or the Sankashti Vrat Katha with attention.

Throughout the worship the devotee may keep the inner prayer that obstacles be removed and wisdom to make right choices be granted.

Moonrise and breaking the fast

• At moonrise, go outside or to a place where the Moon is visible and bow mentally.
• Offer water as arghya to the Moon, facing it with a sense of reverence.
• Then return to the shrine, perform a final aarti to Lord Ganesha and take prasad and light food to complete the fast.

Gratitude at this moment is as important as the fast itself. It marks the closing of a day spent in discipline and remembrance.

Spiritual and astrological significance of Sankashti Chaturthi

Lord Ganesha is honoured as Vighnaharta, the remover of obstacles and the one invoked at the beginning of any auspicious action. Sankashti Chaturthi is a monthly way of returning to this principle.

• The vrat is believed to soften financial hurdles and delays in career growth when approached with effort and sincerity.
• Students are encouraged to keep it for better focus, memory and calmness during preparation for examinations.
• Families may experience relief from tension, disputes and an atmosphere of insecurity over time.

From an astrological angle Chaturthi Tithi relates to inner agitation and stubbornness. Using this Tithi for Ganesha worship, fasting and moon offering helps transform scattered energy into clarity and steadiness.

Who especially benefits from Sankashti Chaturthi

While Sankashti Chaturthi is open to everyone, some groups may find it particularly relevant.

• People who repeatedly encounter delays, failures or blocked efforts in important areas.
• Students and aspirants preparing for competitive examinations, who need concentration and mental stamina.
• Families facing long term financial instability, debt or irregular income.
• Those planning to start a new business, project or professional direction and seeking a smoother path.

For such individuals regular Sankashti observance can become more than a ritual. It turns into a training in patience, perseverance and faith, aligned with the guidance of Lord Ganesha.

A meaningful way to see Sankashti Chaturthi 2026

Sankashti Chaturthi 2026 is not just a list of twelve dates. It is also twelve invitations to pause, discipline oneself and consciously place one’s journey before Lord Ganesha.

The year gently points out that.

• Fasting one day a month with awareness over food, speech, mind and behaviour can gradually change the way one decides, reacts and handles challenges.
• Prayer to Ganesha is not only a request to remove obstacles but also a request for the intelligence to act at the right time in the right way.
• Even if only some of the twelve Sankashti fasts of 2026 are kept sincerely, the year can begin to move in the direction of more balanced effort, patience and steady improvement.

In this way Sankashti Chaturthi becomes not just a way to escape difficulty but a path to becoming inwardly stronger and clearer.

Frequently asked questions about Sankashti Chaturthi 2026

How many Sankashti Chaturthi dates are there in 2026
There are twelve Sankashti Chaturthi dates in 2026, one in each lunar month, from January through December.

When will Angarki Sankashti occur in 2026
Angarki Sankashti in 2026 will fall on Tuesday 1 September 2026, when Sankashti Chaturthi coincides with Tuesday and forms a particularly powerful combination.

When should the Sankashti Chaturthi fast be broken
The fast should be broken only after sighting the Moon. One offers water to the Moon, returns to Ganesha’s altar, takes prasad and then eats light food.

Is complete fasting compulsory on Sankashti Chaturthi
Complete fasting is not compulsory. It depends on health and capacity. Many devotees follow a fruit or milk based fast or take one light meal, while keeping strict about breaking the fast only after moonrise.

What is the key lesson to take from Sankashti Chaturthi 2026
The key lesson is that obstacles arise not only from the outside but also from inner imbalance and hurried decisions. Through this vrat one can learn discipline, patience, devotion and the wisdom to move at the right time, which reflects the true grace of Lord Ganesha.