Vikata Sankatahara Chathurthi 2026

Vikata Sankatahara Chathurthi is the Sankatahara Chathurthi that falls on Chaitra Bahula Chavithi. Each month's Sankatahara Chathurthi honours Lord Ganapati under a particular name, and in this month he is worshipped as "Vikata". Devotees fast through the day and complete the vratham with Ganapati puja and sighting of the moon after moonrise.

Vikata Ganapati

Vikata is one of the sixteen names (Shodasha Namalu) of Vighneshwara, alongside Sumukha, Ekadanta, Kapila, Gajakarnaka and Lambodara. Vikata means one with an extraordinary, formidable form, the Lord who frightens away evil forces and protects his devotees. The Ganesha Purana describes Ganapati taking the Vikata form to subdue the demon Kamasura. As this is the first Sankatahara Chathurthi of the Telugu year, devotees observe it earnestly, praying that obstacles stay away all year.

Puja Steps

• Bathe in the morning and take sankalpam for the Sankatahara Chathurthi vratham.
• Fast through the day; milk and fruit may be taken.
• In the evening, place a Ganapati idol or a turmeric Ganapati on a peetham and worship him with 21 blades of garika (durva grass), red flowers and akshatalu.
• Offer undrallu, kudumulu, jaggery and bananas as naivedyam.
• Read the Sankatahara Chathurthi vratha katha and recite the Ganesha Dwadasha Nama Stotram or Sankatanashana Ganesha Stotram.
• After moonrise, offer arghyam to the moon with water, milk and sandalwood, and then break the fast.

Vratham Rules

Traditionally grains are avoided during the fast; those with health concerns may take milk, fruit or sabudana. Avoid anger, quarrels and untruth. Moonrise time differs by place, so check your local panchangam.

Benefits

Sankatahara means "remover of troubles". Devotees believe that worshipping Vikata Ganapati removes hardships, financial strain and obstacles in work, and blesses children's studies and family welfare.

By the grace of Vikata Ganapati, may this year flow smoothly for all, free of obstacles.