Sankatahara Chathurthi 2026 Dates & Tithi Timings

Sankatahara Chathurthi

Sankatahara Chathurthi is the monthly vratham dedicated to Lord Vinayaka, observed on the Chavithi of Bahula (Krishna) Paksha. As the name says, it is the day to pray to Ganapathi to remove sankatas, the troubles of life. Devotees fast from morning and end the vratham after moonrise with Chandra darshan.

Background

The Shukla Paksha Chavithi is observed as Vinayaka Chaturthi, while the Bahula Paksha Chavithi is Sankashtahara or Sankatahara Chathurthi. Each month's Sankatahara Chathurthi honours Ganapathi under a different name, such as Vikata, Ekadanta, Gajanana, Heramba, Vakratunda and Lambodara. When this Chavithi falls on a Tuesday it is called Angaraka Sankashti and is believed to give special merit. Based on the story of the Moon receiving Ganapathi's grace, seeing the Moon on this night is considered auspicious.

How to Perform the Puja

Bathe in the morning and take sankalpam to observe the Sankatahara Chathurthi vratham.
Fast through the day; depending on health, milk and fruit may be taken.
Bathe again in the evening and worship a Vinayaka idol or Pasupu Ganapathi.
Offer garika (durva) grass, red flowers and jilledu flowers, and recite Vinayaka Ashtottaram or the Sankatanashana Ganesha Stotram.
Offer undrallu, kudumulu, modakams and jaggery as naivedyam.
After moonrise, offer arghyam to the Moon, bow, take prasadam and break the fast.

Observances

Many families observe this vratham regularly for several months or a full year rather than just once. Some take only food without salt or grains while fasting. Elders say that if clouds hide the Moon, one may bow in its direction after the moonrise time given in the panchangam and complete the vratham.

Significance

Devotees observe this vratham for relief from troubles such as financial difficulties, health worries and obstacles in work. Ganapathi kshetrams like the Kanipakam Varasiddhi Vinayaka Swamy temple in Chittoor district see large crowds on this day.

May Lord Vighneshwara's grace remove every obstacle from your life.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

When does Sankatahara Chathurthi occur?

Sankatahara Chathurthi occurs every month on the Chavithi of Bahula Paksha, the fourth day after Pournami.

How to fast on Sankatahara Chathurthi?

Fast from morning, worship Ganapathi in the evening and break the fast with prasadam after offering arghyam to the Moon after moonrise.

What if the Moon is not visible on Sankatahara Chathurthi?

Elders say you can bow and offer arghyam in the Moon's direction after the moonrise time given in the panchangam and complete the vratham.

What is Angaraka Sankashti?

When the Bahula Chavithi falls on a Tuesday it is called Angaraka Sankashti, and Ganapathi puja on that day is believed to give special merit.

What naivedyam is offered on Sankatahara Chathurthi?

Undrallu, kudumulu, modakams, jaggery and fruits, all dear to Lord Vinayaka, are offered.

Can Sankatahara Chathurthi be observed at home?

Yes. Worship Pasupu Ganapathi or an idol at home with garika and flowers, offer naivedyam and complete the vratham with Chandra darshan.

Sankatahara Chathurthi Dates 2026