Chaturthi Vrat, dedicated to Lord Ganesha, will be observed on Sunday, August 16, 2026. The Chaturthi Tithi begins at 5:29 PM on August 15 and will continue until 4:53 PM on August 16, according to Panchang timings for Ujjain.

Chaturthi is observed on the fourth lunar day of both the Shukla Paksha and Krishna Paksha every month. The Shukla Paksha Chaturthi is known as Vinayaka Chaturthi, while the Chaturthi during Krishna Paksha is observed as Sankashti Chaturthi.

Chaturthi Vrat 2026 Date

The upcoming Vinayaka Chaturthi falls on August 16. Devotees worship Lord Ganesha on this day and seek his blessings for wisdom, prosperity, success and the removal of obstacles.

According to the Ujjain-based timings provided, the Chaturthi Tithi will start at 5:29 PM on August 15 and end at 4:53 PM on August 16.

As Tithi timings vary according to geographical location, devotees should consult their local Panchang for city-specific timings.

Important Timings on August 16

For Ujjain, the key timings on August 16 are:

• Sunrise: 6:07 AM

• Sunset: 6:54 PM

• Chaturthi Tithi begins: 5:29 PM, August 15

• Chaturthi Tithi ends: 4:53 PM, August 16

• Moonrise: 9:21 AM

• Moonset: 9:16 PM

Chaturthi Vrat and Lord Ganesha

Chaturthi Vrat is traditionally dedicated to Lord Ganesha, who is worshipped as the remover of obstacles and the deity associated with wisdom and auspicious beginnings.

Devotees generally begin the day with a bath and clean clothes before offering prayers to Lord Ganesha. Offerings may include durva grass, flowers, fruits, sweets and other traditional items.

Fasting practices differ according to family and regional traditions. Some devotees observe a complete fast, while others consume permitted fruits or fasting foods.

Vinayaka Chaturthi vs Sankashti Chaturthi

There are two major forms of monthly Chaturthi observance.

Vinayaka Chaturthi is observed during the Shukla Paksha, or the waxing phase of the Moon. Devotees worship Lord Ganesha and pray for success and prosperity.

Sankashti Chaturthi occurs during the Krishna Paksha, or waning phase of the Moon. Devotees traditionally observe a fast and perform Ganesha puja, with moonrise playing an important role in the observance.

The next Sankashti Chaturthi in August 2026 will be observed on August 31.

Ganesh Chaturthi Comes in September

Among all Chaturthi observances, Ganesh Chaturthi, celebrated during the Shukla Paksha of the Bhadrapada month, is the most prominent.

In 2026, Ganesh Chaturthi will be celebrated on Monday, September 14. The festival marks the birth of Lord Ganesha and is observed with elaborate pujas, public celebrations and the installation of Ganesha idols in homes and community pandals.

The festival culminates with the immersion of Ganesha idols according to regional traditions.

Why Is Chaturthi Considered Important?

Lord Ganesha occupies an important place in Hindu religious traditions and is traditionally worshipped before the beginning of auspicious activities. Chaturthi Vrat is therefore considered an opportunity for devotees to seek his blessings for the removal of difficulties and the successful completion of important tasks.

The observance also reflects the importance of discipline, devotion and prayer in Hindu traditions.

Note: The timings mentioned above are based on Panchang calculations for Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. Tithi and moonrise timings may differ in other cities.