Heramba Sankashti Chaturthi, a special observance dedicated to Lord Ganesha, will be observed on Monday, August 31, 2026. Devotees across India will observe the Sankashti Chaturthi vrat and worship Heramba Maha Ganpati, seeking blessings for the removal of obstacles, courage, protection and prosperity.
The festival falls during the Chaturthi Tithi of Krishna Paksha. According to the Ujjain calendar information provided, the Chaturthi Tithi begins at 8:51 AM on August 31 and ends at 7:42 AM on September 1.
Heramba Sankashti Date 2026
Heramba Sankashti Chaturthi will be observed on August 31, 2026. The festival falls during the waning phase of the Moon and is dedicated to Lord Ganesha.
For Ujjain, sunrise on August 31 is expected at 6:12 AM, while sunset will be at 6:41 PM. Devotees observing the vrat should follow their local Panchang for city-specific timings.
Moonrise Timing
Moonrise is particularly important for devotees observing the Sankashti Chaturthi fast. Traditionally, the vrat is concluded after the evening Ganesh Puja and sighting of the Moon.
In Ujjain, the Moon is expected to rise at around 8:36 PM on August 31. Devotees can perform the evening puja before offering prayers to the Moon and breaking their fast.
Moonrise timings can vary considerably from one city to another, so devotees should check the local Panchang before concluding the vrat.
Who Is Heramba Maha Ganpati?
Heramba Maha Ganpati is traditionally counted among the 32 forms of Lord Ganesha. This distinctive form is depicted with five faces and ten arms and is traditionally shown riding a lion.
Heramba Ganpati is associated with strength, courage and protection. Devotees worship this form while seeking confidence to face difficulties and overcome obstacles.
The symbolism of Heramba Maha Ganpati reflects the protective aspect of Lord Ganesha and his role as a deity associated with removing fears and challenges.
Heramba Sankashti Puja Rituals
Devotees generally begin the day with an early morning bath and prayers to Lord Ganesha. Many devotees observe a strict fast, while others follow a partial vrat and consume permitted foods such as fruits or sabudana preparations.
The main Ganesh Puja is generally performed in the evening. Devotees decorate the idol or image of Lord Ganesha with Durva grass and flowers.
Traditional offerings may include modak, bananas, coconut and other naivedya. A lamp and incense are lit during the puja, followed by Ganesh Aarti and distribution of prasad.
Devotees may also recite Ganesha Ashtothara and Sankashtnashana Stothra as part of their prayers.
Fasting and Moon Worship
Sankashti Chaturthi fasting practices differ according to regional and family traditions. Some devotees maintain a complete fast, while others consume vrat-friendly foods during the day.
The fast is traditionally continued until after Moonrise. Once the Moon is sighted, devotees offer prayers and water or other customary offerings before concluding the vrat.
The exact method of Moon worship and fasting can differ among communities, so devotees should follow their established family practice.
Significance of Sankashti Chaturthi
Sankashti Chaturthi, also known as Sankata Hara Chaturthi, is observed every lunar month in honour of Lord Ganesha. Devotees traditionally believe that sincere observance of the vrat helps overcome difficulties and removes obstacles.
Heramba Sankashti Chaturthi places particular emphasis on Heramba Maha Ganpati, whose form is associated with courage, protection and strength.
For devotees, the observance provides an opportunity to seek Ganesha's blessings for success, family welfare and the ability to face challenges with confidence.
Key Timings
Date: Monday, August 31, 2026
Chaturthi Tithi begins: 8:51 AM on August 31
Chaturthi Tithi ends: 7:42 AM on September 1
Moonrise: 8:36 PM in Ujjain
Sunrise: 6:12 AM in Ujjain
Sunset: 6:41 PM in Ujjain
Deity: Heramba Maha Ganpati
Note: Puja, Tithi and Moonrise timings can vary according to geographical location and local Panchang calculations. The timings mentioned above are specifically for Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, based on the source information provided.
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