Devotees across India will observe Sankashti Chaturthi on Sunday, August 2, 2026, a monthly Hindu festival dedicated to the worship of Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and the deity associated with wisdom, prosperity and success. The day is marked by fasting, special prayers and moon worship, with devotees seeking Lord Ganesha's blessings for overcoming difficulties and achieving happiness and prosperity.

According to the Hindu calendar, Chaturthi Tithi will begin at 11:07 PM on August 1 and conclude at 11:15 PM on August 2. As per the timings for Ujjain (IST), sunrise will be at 6:01 AM, sunset at 7:04 PM, while the moonrise, which plays a crucial role in the observance of the fast, is scheduled for 9:26 PM.

Significance of Sankashti Chaturthi

The word 'Sankashti' is derived from Sanskrit and means deliverance from difficult times, while 'Chaturthi' refers to the fourth day of the lunar fortnight. The festival is observed on the Krishna Paksha Chaturthi every month and is considered especially auspicious for devotees seeking relief from obstacles, financial challenges, health issues and personal hardships.

Religious beliefs hold that Lord Ganesha blesses sincere devotees with wisdom, success and protection from adversities. The fast is also observed by many couples praying for the blessing of children and family well-being.

Fasting and Puja Rituals

Devotees begin the day early by taking a holy bath and resolving to observe the Sankashti Chaturthi Vrat. Many followers observe a strict fast throughout the day, while others consume only fruits, milk or vrat-approved foods such as sabudana, potatoes and peanuts.

The main worship takes place in the evening after the sighting of the moon. Lord Ganesha's idol is decorated with Durva grass, fresh flowers and sandalwood paste. Devotees light lamps and incense sticks, chant Vedic mantras and recite sacred hymns such as Ganesh Ashtothra, Sankashtnashana Stotra and Vakratunda Mahakaya. The monthly Vrat Katha is also read during the puja.

Traditional offerings include Modak, considered Lord Ganesha's favourite sweet, along with other sweets and fruits. After performing the aarti, devotees offer prayers to the Moon God by presenting water, flowers, sandalwood paste and consecrated rice before breaking their fast.

Monthly Observance

Sankashti Chaturthi is observed every month, with Lord Ganesha worshipped in different forms and associated with a specific sacred peetha (seat). Religious scriptures mention that each monthly observance has its own Vrat Katha, making every Sankashti Chaturthi unique in its spiritual significance.

If the festival falls on a Tuesday, it is celebrated as Angarki Chaturthi, regarded as the most auspicious among all Sankashti Chaturthi observances.

Devotion Across India

The festival is celebrated across India, particularly in Maharashtra, where Lord Ganesha holds immense cultural and religious significance. Temples witness special prayers, while devotees gather to participate in collective aartis and religious discourses.

This year's Sankashti Chaturthi offers devotees another opportunity to seek divine blessings with faith and devotion, reinforcing the festival's enduring spiritual importance in Hindu tradition.