Sankashti Chaturthi Vrat – Complete Guide (Vidhi, Moon Darshan & Angaraki Chaturthi)

Sankashti Chaturthi is the monthly fast observed on the fourth day (Chaturthi) of the Krishna Paksha — the waning moon fortnight — dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. Observed every month, it is one of the most powerful recurring vrats in Hindu tradition.

The word Sankashti means "deliverance from great difficulty." Observing this vrat is believed to remove the most stubborn obstacles from your life, career, relationships, and health — and Ganesha himself is said to be especially accessible to devotees on this day.

Sankashti Chaturthi 2026 — Dates

Sankashti Chaturthi occurs once a month. When it falls on a Tuesday, it is called Angaraki Chaturthi — the most powerful form, carrying the combined energy of Mangal (Mars) and Ganesha. Key 2026 dates — check the Hindu Panchang for exact timings in your city.

Sankashti Chaturthi Vrat Samagri List

• Lord Ganesha idol or photo
• Modak or laddoo — Ganesha's favourite prasad
• Durva grass — most essential offering for Ganesha
• Red flowers (hibiscus)
• Akshat (unbroken rice)
• Roli (Kumkum)
• Desi Ghee
• Clay Diya
• Bhimseni Kapoor
• Aarti Thali

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Sankashti Chaturthi Vrat Vidhi — Step by Step

Step 1: Fast Through the Day

Observe a complete fast from sunrise. Fruits and milk are permitted. Grains are avoided. The fast is broken only after moon darshan at night.

Step 2: Evening Ganesha Puja

In the evening, set up the puja with Ganesha's idol. Offer Durva grass (in groups of 21 blades), Modak, red flowers, Roli, and Akshat. Light the diya and apply chandan tilak to the idol.

Step 3: Chant Ganesha Mantras

Chant "Om Gan Ganapataye Namah" 108 times with a japa mala. This is the most powerful mantra for Ganesha.

Step 4: Read the Sankashti Chaturthi Vrat Katha

The katha must be read or heard before the moon darshan. The story explains how Lord Ganesha liberated a kingdom from great suffering on Chaturthi, establishing this vrat as the path to deliverance from difficulty.

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Step 5: Moon Darshan (Chandrodaya)

The fast is broken only after sighting the moon on Chaturthi night. Offer water (arghya) to the moon — "Om Somaya Namah" — and then break your fast. This moon darshan is the essential ritual without which the vrat is incomplete.

Step 6: Perform Aarti and Distribute Prasad

Perform Ganesha's aarti. Distribute Modak and laddoo as prasad.

What is Angaraki Chaturthi?

When Sankashti Chaturthi falls on a Tuesday (Mangalwar), it becomes Angaraki Chaturthi — considered the most powerful Sankashti of the year. The combined energy of Mars (strength, courage) and Ganesha (obstacle removal) is especially potent for overcoming the most stubborn challenges in career, legal matters, and health.

Benefits of Observing Sankashti Chaturthi

• Removal of obstacles in career, business, and life decisions
• Academic success and clarity of mind (Ganesha is the lord of intellect)
• Harmony in family relationships
• Relief from financial debts and difficulties
• Overall positive energy and clarity of purpose

Sankashti Chaturthi for NRIs

The vrat can be observed anywhere in the world. Check your local moonrise time to complete the moon darshan ritual correctly in your timezone. Download our eBook for the complete vidhi in Hindi and English.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Sankashti Chaturthi observed every month?

Yes — it occurs on the Chaturthi (4th day) of the Krishna Paksha every lunar month, making it 12-13 times per year.

What if I cannot see the moon due to cloudy weather?

If the moon is not visible, wait until the clouds clear. If it remains overcast all night, most traditions allow you to break the fast after a specific time (usually 2 hours after the expected moonrise). Consult a pandit for specific guidance.

Can men observe Sankashti Chaturthi?

Yes — this vrat is for all devotees of Lord Ganesha, regardless of gender.

What is the Vinayaki Chaturthi?

Vinayaki Chaturthi is the Chaturthi of the Shukla Paksha (waxing moon). While Sankashti is the major monthly vrat, some devotees also observe Vinayaki for additional merit.

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Om Gan Ganapataye Namah. May Lord Ganesha remove every obstacle from your path. 🐘