Heramba Sankashti Chaturthi 2026: Date, Tithi, Moonrise and Puja Rituals

Heramba Sankashti Chaturthi 2026 will be observed on Monday, August 31, with devotees worshipping Lord Ganesha and observing a fast during the Krishna Paksha Chaturthi. According to the traditional Hindu calendar, the festival is associated with the worship of Heramba Maha Ganpati, a distinctive form of Lord Ganesha believed to help devotees overcome difficulties and fears

According to the timings provided for Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, the Chaturthi Tithi will begin at 8:51 AM on August 31 and end at 7:42 AM on September 1. The moonrise on August 31 is listed at 8:36 PM, which is significant because devotees traditionally conclude the Sankashti fast after sighting the Moon and completing the evening prayers.

Heramba Sankashti Chaturthi Date

Heramba Sankashti Chaturthi is observed on the fourth day of the waning phase of the Moon. Depending on the calendar system followed in different regions, the festival is associated with the Krishna Paksha Chaturthi of the Hindu month of Shravana under the Amavasyant calendar and Bhadrapada under the Purnimant calendar.

In 2026, the observance falls on August 31. Sankashti Chaturthi is observed every lunar month, with devotees worshipping different forms of Lord Ganesha.

Tithi and Moonrise Timings

For Ujjain, the key timings listed for August 31 are:

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

These timings are location-specific, so devotees in other cities should check their local Panchang before planning the fast-breaking and Moon worship.

Fasting and Puja Rituals

Devotees generally begin the day with an early bath and prayers dedicated to Lord Ganesha. Many observe a strict fast from sunrise, while others follow a partial fast depending on their personal practice. Fruits and vrat-friendly foods such as sabudana khichadi are commonly consumed by those observing a partial fast.

The main puja is traditionally performed in the evening after the Moon is sighted. The idol of Lord Ganesha may be decorated with Durva grass and flowers, while devotees light a lamp and offer prayers. Modak, banana and coconut are among the offerings associated with the worship.

After the puja, devotees perform aarti and distribute prasad. Prayers dedicated to Lord Ganesha, including the Ganesha Ashtothara and Sankashtnashana Stothra, are also traditionally recited during the observance.

Significance of Heramba Ganpati

The principal deity associated with this Sankashti observance is Heramba Maha Ganpati, described in Hindu tradition as a five-faced and ten-handed form of Lord Ganesha. Heramba Ganpati is traditionally depicted riding a lion and is counted among the 32 forms of Ganesha mentioned in Hindu texts.

The form is associated with courage and protection. Devotees who worship Heramba Ganpati believe that the observance can help them face difficulties with greater confidence and overcome fears related to the future.

Heramba Sankashti Chaturthi is therefore observed not only as a fasting day but also as an occasion for prayer, meditation and devotion to Lord Ganesha.

Religious Observance

Sankashti Chaturthi holds a prominent place among Ganesha-related observances and is marked every lunar month. The particular form of Ganesha worshipped changes according to the month, giving each Sankashti observance its own religious significance and traditional practices.

As with other festival and Panchang timings, the exact tithi and Moonrise can differ depending on location and calendar calculations. Devotees are therefore advised to follow the timings applicable to their city and their local religious traditions.