For devotees, the Sankashti Chaturthi is not merely a ritual but a monthly spiritual reset. Falling on the fourth day (Chaturthi) of the waning moon phase (Krishna Paksha), it is a day dedicated to fasting, prayer, and seeking the blessings of Lord Ganesha to overcome life's challenges. The specific observance in the Hindu month of Phalguna is also known as Dwijapriya Sankashti Chaturthi.
Key Timings for Observance
The success of the vrat (fast) hinges on observing the correct timings. For the February 2026 observance, the sacred window is as follows:
Chaturthi Tithi Begins: February 5, 2026, at 12:09 AM
Chaturthi Tithi Ends: February 6, 2026, at 12:22 AM
Recommended Puja Muhurta: February 5, during Brahma Muhurta (5:22 AM - 6:15 AM) or Abhijit Muhurta (12:13 PM - 12:57 PM)
Moonrise (for breaking the fast): Expected around 9:39 PM on February 5.
The fast is traditionally observed from sunrise until moonrise, with the fast broken only after sighting the moon and offering prayers.
A Guide to Rituals and Observances
The day is marked by discipline and devotion. Here is a step-by-step guide to the core rituals:
| Ritual Step | Key Actions & Significance |
| Morning Start | Take a purifying bath and wear clean, preferably red or yellow, clothes. Declare your intention (Sankalpa) to observe the fast. |
| Fasting Rules | Observe a strict or partial fast (vrat). Abstain from regular grains and meals. Permitted foods include fruits, potatoes, peanuts, and sabudana khichadi. Crucially, avoid tamasic foods like meat, garlic, and onions, and abstain from anger and false speech. |
| Evening Puja | After moonrise, perform the main puja. Bathe a Ganesha idol, adorn it with durva grass and flowers, and light a lamp. Offer modaks or laddoos, chant Ganesha mantras like "Om Gam Ganapataye Namah," and recite the monthly Vrat Katha. |
| Moon Sighting & Arghya | The fast concludes only after sighting the moon. Offer arghya (water, milk, and flowers) to the moon, a vital step considered incomplete without it. Break your fast by consuming the offered prasad. |
The Modern Significance: More Than Ritual
In today's fast-paced world, the relevance of Sankashti Chaturthi extends beyond tradition. Spiritual experts note that the practice aligns with contemporary pursuits of mindfulness and mental well-being. The discipline of fasting cultivates self-control, while the prayers offer a focused respite from daily stress.
"Angarki Chaturthi (when Sankashti falls on a Tuesday) blends Mars' dynamic energy with Ganesha's wisdom, ideal for manifesting breakthroughs," notes Vedic astrologer Dr. Priya Sharma, highlighting how these observances are seen as aligning personal effort with cosmic support.
For many, especially in regions like Maharashtra where the festival is observed with great fervor, it is a cornerstone of cultural identity and family tradition.
The upcoming Sankashti Chaturthi on February 5 offers a timely opportunity for spiritual renewal. By following the prescribed rituals with sincerity, devotees seek not only divine blessings but also the inner strength to navigate modern life's complexities, reinforcing the timeless appeal of this monthly observance.
