Sankatahara Chaturthi is an important Hindu observance dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and the god of new beginnings.
The word Ganesha means “Head of the Ganas”, and he is also known as Vinayaka and Vighneshwara, symbolizing wisdom and prosperity.
This vratam falls every month on the fourth day (Chaturthi) of Krishna Paksha. Devotees observe fasting until moonrise, perform abhishekam, offer Modak prasadam, and conclude by praying to Lord Moon (Chandra) along with Lord Ganesha.
The ritual is especially popular in Maharashtra and Karnataka. Among all, the most auspicious is Angaraki Chaturthi, which falls on a Tuesday.
In 2026, the year is highly special due to 13 Sankashti cycles because of the Adhika Jyeshta month (Purushottam Masam).
This year also features three Angaraka Chaturthi dates — in Magha, Jyeshta, and Ashwin.
Devotees often begin long-term Chaturthi fasting for 5 / 11 / 21 months starting from an Angaraka day.
Sankatahara Chaturthi Dates – 2026
06 January 2026 (Tuesday)
Magha Krishna Angaraka Chaturthi
Name: Lambodhara Sankashti
Moonrise: 8:54 PM
05 February 2026 (Thursday)
Phalguna Krishna Chaturthi
Name: Dwijapriya Sankashti
Moonrise: 9:35 PM
06 March 2026 (Friday)
Chaitra Krishna Chaturthi
Name: Balachandra Sankashti
Moonrise: 9:14 PM
05 April 2026 (Sunday)
Vaishaka Krishna Chaturthi
Name: Vikata Sankashti
Moonrise: 9:54 PM
5. 05 May 2026 (Tuesday)
Adika Jyeshta Krishna Chaturthi
Name: Ekadanta Sankashti
Moonrise: 10:30 PM
03 June 2026 (Wednesday)
Jyeshta Krishna Chaturthi
Name: Vibhuvana Sankashti
Moonrise: 9:59 PM
03 July 2026 (Friday)
Ashada Krishna Chaturthi
Name: Krishna Pingala Sankashti
Moonrise: 9:48 PM
02 August 2026 (Sunday)
Shravan Krishna Chaturthi
Name: Gajanana Sankashti
Moonrise: 9:20 PM
31 August 2026 (Monday)
Bhadrapada Krishna Chaturthi
Name: Heramba Sankashti
Moonrise: 8:25 PM
29 September 2026 (Tuesday)
Ashwin Krishna Angaraka Chaturthi
Name: Vighnaraja Sankashti
Moonrise: 7:39 PM
29 October 2026 (Thursday)
Kartika Krishna Chaturthi
Name: Vakratunda Sankashti
Moonrise: 8:11 PM
27 November 2026 (Friday)
Margashirsha Krishna Chaturthi
Name: Gandadeepa Sankashti
Moonrise: 8:12 PM
26 December 2026 (Saturday)
Pushya Krishna Chaturthi
Name: Akuhartha Sankashti
Moonrise: 8:13 PM
