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.

Devotees of Lord Ganesha will observe Heramba Sankashti Chaturthi on Monday, August 31, 2026. Sankashti Chaturthi is observed every lunar month during Krishna Paksha Chaturthi, with devotees fasting and worshipping Lord Ganesha to seek relief from obstacles and difficulties.

The August observance is known as Heramba Sankashti Chaturthi. The vrat is particularly important for devotees who seek blessings for prosperity, family well-being and success in their endeavours.

Heramba Sankashti Date 2026

Heramba Sankashti Chaturthi will be observed on August 31, 2026. According to the Panchang details provided, the Krishna Paksha Chaturthi Tithi will begin at 8:51 AM on August 31 and end at 7:42 AM on September 1.

The day is dedicated to Lord Ganesha, who is traditionally worshipped as Vighnaharta, the remover of obstacles.

Since tithi timings can vary according to location and Panchang calculations, devotees should check the timings applicable to their city before beginning or concluding the vrat.

Moonrise Timing

Moonrise is an important part of Sankashti Chaturthi observance. Devotees traditionally perform the evening puja and conclude the fast after sighting the Moon and offering prayers.

For August 31, the Moonrise is expected at around 8:50 PM according to the information provided. However, the exact Moonrise time can differ from city to city because of geographical location.

Devotees should therefore follow their local Panchang for the precise Moonrise time before breaking the fast.

Heramba Sankashti Puja Rituals

Devotees generally begin the day with an early morning bath and prayers to Lord Ganesha. Those observing the vrat may follow a complete fast or a partial fast according to their family tradition.

In the evening, devotees prepare the puja area and worship Lord Ganesha. Offerings commonly include durva grass, flowers, fruits, modak and other naivedya. A diya and incense are also traditionally lit during the ceremony.

Devotees may recite Ganesha mantras and listen to or read the Sankashti Vrat Katha. After the Moon is sighted, prayers are offered before the fast is traditionally concluded.

Fasting Rules and Practices

Sankashti Chaturthi fasting practices vary across regions and families. Some devotees observe a strict fast throughout the day, while others consume permitted fruits, milk or specific vrat foods.

The fast generally continues until after the evening puja and Moon sighting. Devotees then consume food according to their customary fasting rules.

There is no single fasting method followed by everyone, so individuals should follow their family tradition and local religious practices.

Significance of Sankashti Chaturthi

The word Sankashti is traditionally associated with relief from difficulties. Devotees believe that worshipping Lord Ganesha on Sankashti Chaturthi can help overcome obstacles and bring blessings for prosperity and success.

Lord Ganesha is widely worshipped as Vighnaharta, and the monthly Sankashti observance provides devotees with an opportunity to offer prayers and seek his blessings.

Sankashti Chaturthi is observed across India, with particularly prominent celebrations in Maharashtra and other regions where Ganesha worship has a strong cultural presence.

Heramba Sankashti and Kajari Teej

Heramba Sankashti Chaturthi falls on the same calendar date as Kajari Teej in 2026. The Tritiya Tithi associated with Kajari Teej ends at around 8:51 AM on August 31, after which the Chaturthi Tithi begins.

This makes August 31 an important date in the Hindu religious calendar, with two significant observances falling on the same day.

According to the 2026 Sankashti calendar, the next major monthly observance after Heramba Sankashti will be Vighnaraja Sankashti Chaturthi on September 29.

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

Sankashti: Heramba Sankashti Chaturthi

Moonrise: Around 8:50 PM, location-dependent

Deity: Lord Ganesha

Note: Tithi, Moonrise and puja timings can vary according to geographical location and Panchang calculations. Devotees should check the timings for their city before observing the vrat or concluding the fast.