Heramba Sankashti Chaturthi 2026: Date, Puja Timings, Moonrise and Significance

Heramba Sankashti Chaturthi will be observed on Monday, August 31, 2026, with devotees worshipping Lord Ganesha and observing a fast as part of the monthly Sankashti Chaturthi tradition. According to the provided calendar information, the Chaturthi Tithi will begin at 8:51 AM on August 31 and end at 7:42 AM on September 1. The timings cited are based on the Ujjain location and may vary depending on the city.

Sankashti Chaturthi is observed during the Krishna Paksha Chaturthi, or the fourth day of the waning phase of the Moon. Heramba Sankashti Chaturthi is associated with Heramba Maha Ganpati, a five-faced form of Lord Ganesha. Devotees traditionally observe a fast during the day and perform the main worship in the evening after sighting the Moon.

Heramba Sankashti Chaturthi 2026 Timings

For Ujjain, the key timings on August 31 are:

Sunrise: 6:12 AM
Sunset: 6:41 PM
Chaturthi Tithi begins: 8:51 AM
Chaturthi Tithi ends: 7:42 AM on September 1
Moonrise: 8:36 PM
Moonset: 9:48 AM

Devotees who observe the traditional Sankashti fast generally break it after Moon sighting and completing the evening prayers to Lord Ganesha.

Puja Rituals and Offerings

The day begins with an early bath followed by prayers to Lord Ganesha. Those observing the vrat may choose a strict fast or, depending on their tradition, consume fruits and permitted fasting foods such as sabudana preparations.

The main puja is performed in the evening. Lord Ganesha is decorated with flowers and durva grass, while offerings may include modak, banana and coconut. A lamp is lit and devotees perform aarti before distributing prasad.

Devotees may also recite prayers such as the Ganesha Ashtothara and Sankashtnashana Stothra. Chanting Ganesha mantras is another practice followed by devotees on Sankashti Chaturthi.

Significance of Heramba Ganpati

Heramba Maha Ganpati is described in Hindu tradition as one of the 32 forms of Lord Ganesha. This form is depicted with five faces and ten hands and is traditionally shown riding a lion.

The different hands of Heramba Ganpati are depicted holding objects associated with various aspects of Ganesha worship, including a rudraksha, rope, goad, modak, mala and axe, while some hands are shown in blessing and boon-giving gestures.

Religious traditions associate the worship of Heramba Ganpati with courage and confidence in facing difficulties. Devotees also regard meditation and prayers to this form as a way of seeking strength while dealing with uncertainty.

Why Sankashti Chaturthi Is Observed

Sankashti Chaturthi, also known as Sankata Hara Chaturthi, occurs every month during the Krishna Paksha. Different forms of Lord Ganesha are traditionally worshipped on the respective Sankashti days.

Heramba Sankashti Chaturthi holds significance for devotees who worship Heramba Maha Ganpati. The observance combines fasting, evening prayers, Moon sighting and Ganesha worship.

Heramba Sankashti Chaturthi 2026: What Devotees Should Know

With the festival falling on August 31, devotees should check the local Panchang for their city before following the exact fasting and Moon-sighting schedule. Tithi and Moonrise timings can differ from one location to another.

The festival calendar also notes that Heramba Sankashti Chaturthi was observed on August 12 in 2025 and will fall on August 31 in 2026.