Devotees of Lord Ganesha will observe Sankashti Chaturthi on Monday, August 31, 2026. The monthly Hindu observance is dedicated to Lord Ganesha and is traditionally marked by fasting, evening worship and moon sighting before the vrat is concluded

According to the timings provided in the source material, the Chaturthi Tithi begins at 8:51 AM on August 31 and ends at 7:42 AM on September 1. For Ujjain, the listed moonrise time is 8:36 PM on August 31. Since tithi and moonrise timings can vary by location, devotees should check their local Panchang for the precise time of the evening rituals.

Sankashti Chaturthi Date

Sankashti Chaturthi is observed on the fourth day, or Chaturthi Tithi, of Krishna Paksha, the waning phase of the Moon. Unlike annual festivals, Sankashti Chaturthi occurs every lunar month.

The August 2026 observance falls on August 31. The festival is known as Sankatahara Chaturthi in several southern Indian traditions.

The word Sankashti is associated with overcoming difficulties. Devotees traditionally worship Ganesha on this day seeking the removal of obstacles and blessings for prosperity and well-being.

August 2026 Tithi Timings

For the Ujjain reference location mentioned in the supplied calendar:

Chaturthi Tithi begins: 8:51 AM, August 31
Chaturthi Tithi ends: 7:42 AM, September 1
Sunrise: 6:12 AM, August 31
Sunset: 6:41 PM, August 31
Moonrise: 8:36 PM, August 31

The moonrise time is particularly relevant because the traditional Sankashti vrat is generally completed after devotees worship Lord Ganesha and sight the Moon.

Fasting Traditions

Fasting is one of the central practices associated with Sankashti Chaturthi. Devotees may observe a strict fast or follow a partial fast depending on their family tradition.

Traditional vrat foods can include fruits, vegetables and preparations made from ingredients such as peanuts, potatoes and sabudana. Dietary practices vary considerably between communities.

The fast is generally broken after the evening puja and moon sighting. Anyone fasting should follow practices appropriate to their health and individual circumstances rather than treating a traditional fasting method as a medical recommendation.

Evening Puja Rituals

The main Sankashti Chaturthi worship is performed in the evening. Devotees decorate an idol or image of Lord Ganesha with Durva grass and flowers and light a lamp.

Offerings may include fruits, sweets and modak, traditionally regarded as one of Ganesha's favourite offerings. Devotees may also recite Ganesha prayers and the vrat katha associated with the particular lunar month.

The puja generally concludes with an aarti, after which prasad is distributed among family members and other devotees.

Moon Sighting Tradition

Moon sighting has a special place in Sankashti Chaturthi observance. After the Moon becomes visible, devotees traditionally offer prayers to Chandra while completing the evening rituals.

Water, sandalwood, rice grains and flowers may be offered in the direction of the Moon according to local practice. The vrat is then concluded following the prescribed worship.

Because moonrise varies between cities, devotees should use their local astronomical or Panchang timings rather than relying on the Ujjain timing for another location.

Religious Significance

Sankashti Chaturthi is traditionally associated with seeking Lord Ganesha's blessings to overcome obstacles and difficulties. Devotees believe that observing the vrat with devotion can bring peace, prosperity and success.

The festival is observed throughout India, with particularly elaborate traditions in Maharashtra. When Sankashti Chaturthi falls on a Tuesday, it is known as Angarki Chaturthi and is traditionally considered especially significant.

Each monthly Sankashti observance also has its own traditional name, associated form of Ganesha and vrat katha.

Sankashti Chaturthi Calendar 2026

The supplied calendar lists Sankashti Chaturthi observances in 2026 across the lunar year, including January 6, February 5, March 6, April 5, May 5, June 4, July 3, August 2, August 31, September 29, October 29, November 27 and December 26.

The additional August 31 observance reflects the lunar-calendar sequence in the supplied source.

For devotees planning the August observance, the key date is Monday, August 31, 2026, with the evening moonrise listed at 8:36 PM for Ujjain.