Sankashti Chaturthi is a monthly Vrat dedicated to Lord Ganesh, observed on Krishna Paksha Chaturthi – the fourth lunar day after the Full Moon. In Vedic astrology, this tithi has special significance because it aligns with the waning Moon (Krishna Paksha), emphasizing self-discipline, emotional balance, and removal of obstacles.

When observed with intention, Sankashti Chaturthi can support clarity of mind, improve focus and calm emotional restlessness. Traditionally, the fast is kept until Moonrise (Chandrodaya), after which devotees perform Ganesh puja and break their fast.

Sankashti Chaturthi 2026: Dates, Tithi & IST Moonrise Times

Below are the Sankashti Chaturthi dates for 2026, including tithi and where available, Moonrise timing (IST) — essential for performing puja and breaking your fast.

Month Date (2026) Day Vrat Name / Notes Moonrise (Chandrodaya) IST
January 6 Jan 2026 Tuesday Lambodara / Angarki Sankashti Chaturthi 9:23 PM
February 5 Feb 2026 Thursday Dwijapriya Sankashti Chaturthi 9:50 PM
March 6 Mar 2026 Friday Bhalachandra Sankashti Chaturthi 9:21 PM
April 5 Apr 2026 Sunday Vikata Sankashti Chaturthi 9:50 PM (approx)
May 5 May 2026 Tuesday Ekadanta / Angarki Sankashti Chaturthi 10:22 PM
June 3 Jun 2026 Wednesday Vibhuvana Sankashti Chaturthi 9:54 PM
July 3 Jul 2026 Friday Krishnapingala Sankashti Chaturthi 9:54 PM
August 2 Aug 2026 Sunday Gajanana Sankashti Chaturthi ≈9:33 PM
August 31 Aug 2026 Monday Heramba / Bahula Sankashti Chaturthi ≈8:51 AM
September 29 Sep 2026 Tuesday Vighnaraja / Angarki Sankashti ≈5:10 PM
October 29 Oct 2026 Thursday Vakratunda Sankashti / Karwa Chauth overlap **≈1:06 AM / night
November 27 Nov 2026 Friday Ganadhipa Sankashti Chaturthi ≈9:48 AM
December 26 Dec 2026 Saturday Akhuratha Sankashti Chaturthi ≈8:04 PM

📌 All dates follow the Krishna Paksha Chaturthi tithi; Moonrise times are approximate and vary by city. For precise times in your area (Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, etc.)

Why Moonrise Timing (Chandrodaya) Matters (IST)

Sankashti Chaturthi fasting rules traditionally state:

  • Fast from sunrise. 
  • Perform Ganesh puja after Moonrise (Chandrodaya). 
  • Break the fast only after seeing the Moon. 

In astrological terms, the Moon (Chandra) governs the mind, emotions and inner calm. Breaking the fast after Moonrise aligns your energy with lunar influences, encouraging emotional stability and focus.

Ganesh Puja Vidhi on Sankashti Chaturthi

Preparations (Before Moonrise)

  • Wake up early, take a bath. 
  • Begin fast (nirjala or phalahar) with purity and intention. 
  • Clean puja space; place a Ganesh idol or picture. 
  • Arrange offerings: durva grass, red flowers, fruits, modak/ladoo. 

Puja Steps (After Moonrise – IST)

  1. Light a diya and incense. 
  2. Chant Ganesh mantras (108 repetitions ideal). 
  3. Offer akshata, durva, sweets, and fruits. 
  4. Recite a Ganesh stotra or your family prayer. 
  5. Offer arghya to the Moon. 
  6. Break your fast after completing the ritual. 

Powerful Ganesh Mantras for Sankashti Chaturthi

Chanting these mantras after Moonrise supports clarity and removes obstacles:

ॐ गण गणपतये नमः
 Om Gan Ganapataye Namah — for obstacle removal.

वक्रतुण्ड महाकाय…
 Vakratunda Mahakaya… — for smooth success in tasks.

Mantra practice is best done facing East or North, with calm focus and minimal distraction.

Pranaam Ritual Remedies & Astrological Tips

  • Angarki Sankashti (when the vrat falls on Tuesday) is considered highly auspicious, heralding stronger results. 
  • Donate food or sweets the next day for enhanced positive energy. 
  • Observing Sankashti pillars consistently strengthens lunar influence over time. 
  • Maintain a disciplined routine during the vrat to support peace and focus. 

Conclusion

Sankashti Chaturthi 2026 is not just a ritual – it’s a monthly opportunity to realign your inner mental rhythm, calm emotional disturbance, and build resilience against obstacles. When observed with sincerity and proper timing (especially Moonrise in IST), this vrat bridges devotion with mindful living, supporting both spiritual and psychological well-being across the year.

FAQs: Sankashti Chaturthi 2026

1. What is Sankashti Chaturthi?

A monthly fast dedicated to Lord Ganesh on Krishna Paksha Chaturthi to remove obstacles and promote mental clarity.
 Followers fast till Moonrise and break their fast after Ganesh puja and Moon darshan.
 Tips:

  • Check local Moonrise timings 
  • Chant Ganesh mantras 

2. What are Angarki Sankashti Chaturthi dates in 2026?

January 6, 2026 and May 5, 2026 and September 29, 2026 are Angarki (Tuesday) Sankashti.
 These are considered especially potent for spiritual benefits.
 Remedies:

  • Extra mantra chanting 
  • Donate red sweets 

3. Do I need to fast strictly?

Fasting can be nirjala (no food/water) or phalahar (fruits/seeds) based on health.
 Purpose is discipline and devotion, not physical strain.
 Advice:

  • Follow a light, balanced approach 
  • Break fast after Moonrise 

4. Can children observe this vrat?

Yes, with parental guidance and simplified puja.
 Children can participate in chanting and offering fruits/sweets after Moonrise.
 Kids’ tips:

  • Simple Ganesh prayers 
  • Offer favourite fruits 

5. Why are Moonrise times important?

Because the fast is broken only after Moonrise, aligning spiritual practice with lunar influence, which governs emotions and mind.
 Check:

  • Your city’s Moonrise (IST) 
  • Local Panchang or trusted app