Bhalachandra Sankatahara Chathurthi 2026

Bhalachandra Sankatahara Chathurthi: Phalguna Bahula Chavithi

Bhalachandra Sankatahara Chathurthi is the Chavithi of Phalguna Bahula Paksha. Coming after Holi and before Ugadi, it is the last Sankatahara Chathurthi of the Telugu year. Devotees worship Ganapati who wears the Moon on his forehead, fast during the day and complete the vratham by offering arghya to the Moon after moonrise.

Meaning of the Name

"Bhala" means forehead, so Bhalachandra is the one who wears the crescent Moon on his forehead. In everyday Telugu it is often pronounced Balachandra. One story says that when the cursed Moon sought Ganesha's forgiveness, Ganesha not only forgave him but gave him a place on his own forehead. Since this name is so closely tied to the Moon, the moon arghya carries extra meaning in this month's puja. In this form, the son resembles his father Shiva, the Chandrashekhara.

The Year-End Vratham

Phalguna is the last month of the Telugu year. Those who have kept Sankatahara Chathurthi through the year worship Ganapati today with gratitude. In some families, those who tied a mudupu and completed their promised number of vrathams perform an udyapana with annadanam or giving clothes, and offer the mudupu at a nearby Ganapati temple.

How to Perform the Puja

• Bathe in the morning, clean the home and make the sankalpam to fast.
• In the evening, offer white and red flowers, 21 blades of garika and akshatalu to Ganapati.
• Chant Ganesha Ashtottaram and the Sankatanashana Ganesha Stotram, and read the vratha katha.
• Offer undrallu, milk paayasam and bananas as naivedyam.
• After moonrise, offer arghya to the Moon with water mixed with milk, give harathi to Ganapati and break the fast.

Blessings of the Vratham

The shastras describe the Moon as the lord of the mind. Devotees believe that worshipping Bhalachandra Ganapati, who wears the Moon, calms worries and brings peace of mind. Many also pray today that the work they plan to begin from Ugadi goes smoothly.

May the cool, kind gaze of Bhalachandra Ganapati bring peace to your mind and goodness to your life.