Sakat Chauth 2026 Fasting Guide

When Is Sakat Chauth In 2026 And Which Date Is Used For Fasting

Sakat Chauth, also known as Sankashti Chaturthi, Tilkut Chauth or Maghi Chauth, is a special fast observed on the fourth tithi of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Magha. The vrata is mainly kept by mothers who pray for the long life, health and prosperity of their children. In many homes it becomes the first major vrata of the year for protection and blessings.

According to the Vedic calendar, in 2026 the Magha Krishna Chaturthi falls as follows

• Chaturthi tithi begins
  • 6 January 2026 at 8:01 am
• Chaturthi tithi ends
  • 7 January 2026 at 6:52 am

Following the rule of Udaya Tithi, the Sakat Chauth fast will be observed on 6 January 2026. The vow is taken in the morning and the fast is broken only after sighting the moon in the evening.

Key Timing And Basic Details For Sakat Chauth 2026

Detail	Time / information
Fasting date	6 January 2026
Tithi	Magha Krishna Chaturthi
Tithi begins	6 January, 8:01 am
Tithi ends	7 January, 6:52 am

This particular Chaturthi is counted among the major Chaturthis of the year. Many traditions call it the “big Chaturthi” of Magha because it is felt to set the tone of protection and blessings for the months ahead.

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What Does Sakat Chauth Really Mean For A Mother

The word “Sakat” means trouble or crisis and “Chauth” points to the fourth lunar day. Sakat Chauth is therefore remembered as the Chaturthi that removes troubles. At its heart the vrata is woven with a mother’s wish that any coming difficulty should be softened or diverted for her child.

On three levels the fast is said to work together

• at the physical level
  • sesame and jaggery support warmth and strength in the winter month of Magha
• at the mental level
  • a day of devotion replaces restless worry with trust and steadiness
• at the spiritual level
  • the grace of Lord Ganesha and Goddess Sakat is invoked for subtle protection

The inner feeling is, “Let obstacles fall on me rather than on my child.” This spirit of loving sacrifice is what gives Sakat Chauth its special place beyond ordinary fasting.

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Why Is Sakat Chauth Especially Linked With Lord Ganesha

How Did Sakat Chauth Become Dedicated To Ganesha

Sakat Chauth is a form of Sankashti Chaturthi, the Chaturthi that removes difficulties. Lord Ganesha is worshipped as Vighnaharta, the remover of obstacles. This harmony of meaning naturally joined the vrata to Ganesha.

Scriptural stories say that on a Magha Krishna Chaturthi

• Ganesha resolved a major challenge in his own journey
• he walked around his parents Shiva and Parvati and treated them as his universe
• this act showed that the entire cosmos rests at the feet of one’s parents

By honouring this insight

• devotees worship Ganesha
• offer durva grass, sesame and jaggery
• and complete the fast only after moonrise and prayer

The belief is that when a mother keeps this fast with such devotion, Ganesha removes hidden dangers and unseen blocks from the path of her children.

The Crisis And Rebirth Of Ganesha

Mythologically, Sakat Chauth also recalls the turning point in Ganesha’s own life.

• Goddess Parvati created a boy from her own body
• she placed him as a guard at the door while she bathed
• when Shiva arrived and was stopped by the boy, a fierce conflict followed
• in that clash the boy was beheaded

Later, when Parvati’s grief shook the heavens

• a divine elephant’s head was brought
• it was placed upon the boy’s body
• so the child was restored and recognised as Ganesha, beloved of gods and humans

Sakat Chauth remembers this end of crisis, new beginning and acceptance of Ganesha’s divine form. The vrata symbolically asks that our children too be protected and given new chances whenever life becomes harsh.

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Complete Fasting And Puja Procedure For Sakat Chauth 2026

How To Take The Vow And Follow The Fast

Traditionally Sakat Chauth is kept as a nirjala fast, with neither food nor water till moonrise. Yet body conditions vary, so the spirit of the fast needs to stay compassionate and wise.

The day can be shaped in this way

• on the previous night eat a light sattvic meal
• on 6 January bathe early and wear clean clothes
• decorate the home altar with flowers, tilak, lamp and an image or idol of Lord Ganesha

Then take a clear sankalpa

• “Today I observe Sakat Chauth for the well being of my children”
• “May Ganesha remove their obstacles and grant them health, wisdom and protection”

Those who need to take medicines or have health issues may choose

• fruit and water
• or very light sattvic food

while maintaining the same mental resolve. In all such vrata, intention is considered more important than harshness.

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Why Is Moon Worship Central To Sakat Chauth

The unique mark of this fast is the completion of the vrata only after moonrise.

• the fast runs through the day
• in the evening the devotee waits for the moon to appear
• only after offering water to the moon is the fast broken

As evening approaches

• a small place in the courtyard or terrace is prepared
• a kalasha or lota is filled with clean water
• sesame seeds, rice, durva and flowers are kept ready

When the moon is visible

• water is offered with both hands
• simple mantras like “Om Somaya Namah” or “Om Chandraya Namah” may be chanted
• the mind remembers Ganesha while looking at the calm moon

The cool light of the moon together with the warmth of sesame and jaggery in the offerings is seen as balancing energy. It is believed to support

• emotional stability
• mental peace
• and a gentle cooling of hidden tensions in the child’s destiny.

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Sacred Role Of Tilkut And Other Offerings On Sakat Chauth

Sakat Chauth is also called Tilkut Chauth because tilkut made of sesame and jaggery is a central offering.

On this day devotees usually prepare

• laddus made from sesame seeds and jaggery
• tilkut or other sweets where til and gud are the main ingredients

Both sesame and jaggery are

• suited to the winter season
• nourishing
• and considered pure in ritual use

Tilkut offered to Ganesha is understood as a prayer that

• the child’s body should be strong like sesame
• and life should remain sweet and steady like jaggery

Symbolic Meanings Of Sesame And Jaggery

Item	Symbolic meaning
Sesame seeds (til)	Protection, subtle purification, warmth and strength
Jaggery (gud)	Sweetness, stable energy, softening of hardship
Tilkut / til laddoo	Wish for the child’s longevity and resilience

Throughout the month of Magha, offering and eating sesame in a sattvic manner is seen as good for both health and spiritual merit. On Sakat Chauth this merit is lovingly directed toward the children of the family.

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Sakat Chauth, Children’s Charts And The Idea Of Protection

In Vedic astrology

• the fourth house
• the fifth house
• the Moon
• and the Ganesha principle

are often linked with mind, home and children. A vrata like Sakat Chauth can be viewed as more than a ritual. It is also a way of nurturing an energy bond between mother and child.

When year after year

• a mother remembers her child with such focused prayer
• disciplines her own body and mind for that child’s sake

the child quietly absorbs a sense of being cared for and blessed. This can strengthen

• confidence
• emotional security
• and the courage to face challenges

Even though astrology describes many combinations, this living current of devotion and love becomes a powerful protective factor on its own.

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Table: Main Features Of Sakat Chauth Fasting In Short

Aspect	Key points
Primary intention	Long life, health and prosperity of children
Type of fast	Usually nirjala, fruit fast allowed if needed
Main deities	Lord Ganesha and Goddess Sakat, moon honoured too
Central offerings	Tilkut, sesame jaggery laddoos, other sattvic sweets
Fast breaking	After moonrise and water offering to the moon

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Frequently Asked Questions (English FAQ)

Is it compulsory to observe Sakat Chauth as a strict nirjala fast
No. The traditional form is nirjala, yet health must be respected. If needed, a devotee can take fruits or light sattvic food while keeping the same sankalpa for the child. Sincerity and purity of mind are more important than physical strain.

Can someone other than the mother keep this fast for a child
Yes. While mothers usually lead the vrata, grandmothers or other caring elders in the family may also observe it. What matters is genuine concern and responsibility for the child’s welfare, not only the formal role.

Is tilkut the only valid offering on Sakat Chauth
Tilkut has special importance but where it is not available other sesame and jaggery preparations can be used. Til gud laddoos or simple sweets along with durva and modak are all acceptable. The heart behind the offering is the real essence.

Does Sakat Chauth directly change the child’s horoscope
It is not read as a sudden change in planetary positions. Rather, the long term effect of consistent prayers and rituals is believed to soften difficult tendencies and strengthen support around the child. This works through environment, values and inner confidence.

Can unmarried women or women without children observe Sakat Chauth
They can, if they wish to pray for siblings, future children or even the children of relatives and friends. The vrata is, at its core, a prayer for the next generation. Anyone who holds that wish with respect can participate.