Skanda Sashti Vrat 2026: Dates, Significance and Year round Vrat Schedule

Skanda Sashti Vrat 2026 brings a special opportunity of regular spiritual practice for devotees of Lord Kartikeya throughout the year. In Tamil tradition it is observed with deep devotion as Kanda Sashti or Skanda Shashthi. This day reminds devotees of the divine power of Lord Skanda who freed the gods from the oppression of demons. Any seeker who follows Skanda Sashti Vrat with discipline experiences more courage, clarity and inner steadiness in life.

Skanda Sashti is not limited to South India. Devotees of Lord Murugan across India have now started observing this vrat with faith on every monthly Sashti. In the calendar of 2026 each Shukla Paksha Sashti of the month is considered highly auspicious for the worship of Lord Skanda.

Main Skanda Sashti Vrat 2026 Dates and Tithi Timings

In the year 2026 Skanda Sashti Vrat may be observed on every monthly Shukla Paksha Sashti. The table below summarizes month, weekday and tithi timing so that seekers can plan for the whole year with ease.

Month wise Schedule of Skanda Sashti Vrat 2026

Month 2026	Paksha and Tithi	Weekday	Tithi Timing (Begin - End)
January Skanda Sashti	Shukla Paksha Sashti	Sunday	24 January 2026, 01:46 am to 25 January 2026, 12:40 am
February Skanda Sashti	Shukla Paksha Sashti	Monday	22 February 2026, 11:10 am to 23 February 2026, 09:09 am
March Skanda Sashti	Shukla Paksha Sashti	Tuesday	23 March 2026, 06:38 pm to 24 March 2026, 04:08 pm
April Skanda Sashti	Shukla Paksha Sashti	Wednesday	22 April 2026, 01:20 am to 22 April 2026, 10:50 pm
May Skanda Sashti	Shukla Paksha Sashti	Friday	21 May 2026, 08:27 am to 22 May 2026, 06:25 am
June Skanda Sashti	Shukla Paksha Sashti	Saturday	19 June 2026, 05:00 pm to 20 June 2026, 03:47 pm
July Skanda Sashti	Shukla Paksha Sashti	Monday	19 July 2026, 03:43 am to 20 July 2026, 03:30 am
August Skanda Sashti	Shukla Paksha Sashti	Tuesday	17 August 2026, 05:00 pm to 18 August 2026, 05:51 pm
September Skanda Sashti	Shukla Paksha Sashti	Thursday	16 September 2026, 08:59 am to 17 September 2026, 10:48 am
October Skanda Sashti	Shukla Paksha Sashti	Saturday	16 October 2026, 03:25 am to 17 October 2026, 05:54 am
November Skanda Sashti	Shukla Paksha Sashti	Monday	14 November 2026, 11:24 pm to 16 November 2026, 02:01 am
December Skanda Sashti	Shukla Paksha Sashti	Tuesday	14 December 2026, 07:16 pm to 15 December 2026, 09:19 pm

Observing Skanda Sashti Vrat on these dates is considered a simple and effective way to receive the grace of Lord Murugan. As local variations are possible, checking a regional panchang remains helpful.

What is Skanda Sashti and Why is it Observed

Skanda Sashti Vrat is completely dedicated to Lord Skanda, who is also revered as Murugan, Kartikeya and Subramanya. Lord Skanda is known as the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati and the elder brother of Lord Ganesha. In South India especially in Tamil Nadu Lord Murugan is worshipped as the god of war, protector and upholder of dharma.

According to traditional belief Lord Skanda liberated the gods from the tyranny of the demon king Surapadman by slaying him. This victory is not seen merely as an outer battle. It is considered a symbol of the establishment of righteousness, courage and truth. Each day of Skanda Sashti reminds the seeker that in the struggles of life the real victory lies in staying anchored in dharma.

In many regions Kanda Sashti is also called Skanda Shashthi. In Tamil families devotees visit Murugan temples together to offer special worship, abhishekam and participate in ceremonial processions. Through devotional songs, dance and kirtan the glory of the Lord’s valour is celebrated.

How is the Date of Skanda Sashti Determined

Scriptures mention a clear rule for determining the date of Skanda Sashti. When Panchami tithi ends and Sashti tithi begins between sunrise and sunset, that day is chosen for Skanda Sashti Vrat. This guideline is mentioned in texts such as Dharmasindhu and Nirnayasindhu.

Most Murugan temples in Tamil Nadu follow this rule to decide the festival date. This ensures that the major part of the vrat remains during daytime so that devotees can perform puja and other observances in the effective period of Sashti. Some aspirants keep an elaborate vrat only on the main Kartik month Skanda Sashti, whereas many others observe a simpler or fruit based fast on every monthly Shukla Paksha Sashti.

Main Religious Beliefs Associated with Skanda Sashti Vrat

Skanda Sashti Vrat is regarded as powerful and protective. Tradition says that those devotees who observe Skanda Sashti Vrat regularly gradually become free from enemies and unseen obstacles. Lord Murugan is revered as the deity of courage and discrimination. Therefore this vrat reduces hidden weaknesses, fear and confusion and strengthens mental firmness.

It is believed that Skanda Sashti Vrat helps in the destruction of sins. The episode of liberation of the gods from oppression through Lord Skanda is also a symbol of the inner conflict between adharma and dharma in human life. When a seeker uses fasting, japa and worship to overcome negative tendencies, inner confidence and spiritual strength begin to grow.

Many devotees also regard this vrat as favourable for healthy progeny, physical well being and stability in career. For young people who feel confused about goals, competitive exams or life choices, worship of Lord Murugan on Skanda Sashti can bring guidance and clarity.

Relationship between Skanda Sashti Vrat and Soorasamharam

The most crucial episode of the Skanda Sashti story is known as Soorasamharam. Tradition narrates that the battle between Lord Skanda and the demon king Surapadman continued for six days. On the Sashti day Lord Skanda finally destroyed Surapadman with his divine spear called Vel. This day of victory is celebrated as Soorasamharam and is often enacted as sacred drama one day before or in sequence with the festival.

Soorasamharam is not only a religious play. It inspires the seeker to conquer the six inner enemies namely desire, anger, greed, attachment, pride and jealousy. When devotees contemplate this episode, they understand that the Vel of Murugan represents knowledge and courage that cuts through ignorance and negativity. Remembering Soorasamharam during Skanda Sashti becomes a practice of inner purification.

What does Thiru Kalyanam Symbolise

The day following Soorasamharam is celebrated as Thiru Kalyanam. On this day the divine wedding of Lord Skanda with Goddess Valli and Goddess Devasena is commemorated. This occasion does not represent only a marriage ceremony. It indicates that when a seeker overcomes inner negativity, harmony, completeness and balance begin to manifest in life.

During Thiru Kalyanam temples organise grand processions and beautiful decorations of the divine couple. Devotees participate with flowers, offerings and devotional songs. This day is considered especially auspicious for family happiness, stability in married life and loving relationships.

How to Observe Skanda Sashti Vrat

Aspirants may follow Skanda Sashti Vrat according to their health and capacity. Some devotees undertake a six day Kanda Sashti Viratham after the new moon, concluding on Sashti. Others observe full fast or fruit fast on only the main Sashti day and keep simple worship on remaining days.

Skanda Sashti Vrat and Puja Method

On the day of the vrat wake up early, bathe and wear clean light coloured clothes. At the place of worship install an image or idol of Lord Murugan.

Then the following sequence may be followed.

• Bathe the idol with clean water or Ganga water.
• Perform abhishek with milk or panchamrit.
• Apply sandal paste, saffron and kumkum.
• Offer flowers, especially jasmine or oleander.
• Present fruits, coconut and sweets as naivedya.
• Recite Skanda stuti, verses or any preferred hymn.

In South India many devotees also read selected chapters from Skanda Purana. Keeping the mind in remembrance of Lord Murugan throughout the day is considered highly beneficial.

Six day Kanda Sashti Viratham

Some aspirants observe Skanda Sashti as a six day long vratham beginning from the first day after new moon until Sashti. During this period devotees maintain strict discipline in food, worship and conduct. This practice demands strong physical and mental capacity, so it should be adopted only after considering health and responsibilities.

Fasting and Dietary Rules on Skanda Sashti

Food discipline is a core part of Skanda Sashti Vrat. Devotees are advised to keep their diet sattvic, simple and moderate. Many choose fruits, milk and light vrat friendly preparations. Some eat only once in the day and rely on water or lemon water for the remaining time.

Those who follow more intense austerity may remain on water or minimal intake. This stricter form is meant only for devotees whose body can bear such practice. The main point is to ensure that food supports steadiness and lightness of mind. Non vegetarian food, garlic, onion, heavy spices and intoxicants must be completely avoided.

Special Importance of Skanda Sashti in Tamil Nadu

In Tamil Nadu Skanda Sashti Vrat is celebrated with great grandeur in Murugan temples. At famous shrines such as Tiruchendur, Palani, Swamimalai, Tirupparankundram and others special events are organised for this occasion. Devotees spend the day in the temple premises with bhajans, kirtan and devotional dance.

Palanquin processions, elaborate decorations, abhishek and distribution of prasad are common features. Many devotees consider it a blessing to undertake pilgrimage to these temples during Skanda Sashti. Those living far away can still connect inwardly by lighting a lamp at home, chanting mantras and offering charity according to their means.

Why is Kartik Month Skanda Sashti Considered Special

Although every Shukla Paksha Sashti is dedicated to Lord Murugan, the Kartik month Skanda Sashti holds the highest place of honour. In the Tamil calendar this period falls in the festive season of lamps and celebrations. Kartik Skanda Sashti is celebrated as a major festival.

At many places Soorasamharam is enacted as a grand performance after sunset on Kartik Skanda Sashti. Devotees witness the symbolic victory of Lord Murugan and relate it with their own inner journey. Temple crowds and devotional fervour reach a much higher level during this period compared to ordinary days.

Fruits and Spiritual Benefits of Skanda Sashti Vrat

Skanda Sashti Vrat is believed to bring numerous spiritual and worldly benefits. The vrat is considered helpful in overcoming enemy influence, fear and negative thoughts. Sincere observers often feel enhanced clarity and better decision making.

By the grace of Lord Murugan balanced progress in wealth, status and prosperity is also believed to come. This vrat is not only for fulfilment of desires. It is a means of training oneself in discipline and devotion. Parents concerned about the right values and education of their children may also pray specially on Skanda Sashti for guidance and protection.

Through regular practice devotees gradually experience more simplicity, humility and inner confidence. This inner transformation itself may be regarded as the true fruit of Skanda Sashti Vrat.

Common Questions Related to Skanda Sashti Vrat

On which dates can Skanda Sashti Vrat be observed in 2026?
In 2026 Skanda Sashti Vrat can be observed on every monthly Shukla Paksha Sashti. For example 24 January, 22 February, 24 March, 22 April, 21 May, 20 June, 20 July, 18 August, 17 September, 17 October, 16 November and 15 December on the basis of Sashti tithi timings.

What is the main rule for determining the date of Skanda Sashti Vrat?
When Panchami tithi ends and Sashti tithi remains effective between sunrise and sunset that day is selected for Skanda Sashti Vrat. This rule is described in Dharmasindhu and Nirnayasindhu and is followed in many Murugan temples of Tamil Nadu.

What is considered the spiritual importance of Skanda Sashti Vrat?
This vrat is believed to grant the grace of Lord Murugan, remove enemy disturbances and strengthen courage, discrimination and inner power. The practice of Skanda Sashti supports the destruction of sins, mental steadiness and balanced handling of life’s struggles.

How are Soorasamharam and Thiru Kalyanam related to Skanda Sashti?
Soorasamharam commemorates the victory of Lord Skanda over the demon Surapadman and is enacted during Skanda Sashti celebrations. The following day is celebrated as Thiru Kalyanam which marks the divine wedding of Lord Skanda with Valli and Devasena symbolising harmony and completeness in life.

What are the main dietary and puja rules during Skanda Sashti Vrat?
On the vrat day diet should be sattvic, simple and moderate. Many devotees prefer fruits or one light meal. Non vegetarian food, garlic, onion and tamasic items are avoided. In puja Lord Murugan is offered water, milk, fruits, sandal paste and flowers, while abhishek, lamp offering and mantra chanting are performed with devotion.