Ganesha Sankashti Chaturthi 2026

What is Sankashti Chaturthi?

Sankashti Chaturthi is a special festival dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed Hindu god known for removing obstacles and problems. The term Sankashti meaning comes from the Sanskrit language, meaning ‘deliverance from difficulties’.

It falls on the fourth day after the full moon of every month. On this day, Lord Ganesha is worshipped as the "Sankashti Vinayak," an incarnation of the Lord who can help overcome all obstacles.

What is the Significance of Ganesha Sankashti Chaturthi?

Bhavishya Purana and Narasimha Purana mention the significance of Ganesha Sankashti Chaturthi and say that the one who observes a fast on this day will get under Lord Ganesha’s special protection.

According to ancient texts in the Shiva Purana, those who fast and pray to Lord Ganesha on this day with true devotion attract knowledge, health and wealth. Not just for deliverance from difficulties, but many females observe a fast for a healthy childbirth on this day.

What is the Mythology and Sankashti Chaturthi Vrat Katha?

The reason why Sankashti Chaturthi is celebrated lies in its mythological stories and vrat katha. Read the Sankashti Chaturthi vrat katha below to understand its importance and powers:

1. Ganesha’s Wisdom

Once, to determine which of his sons could help Hindu gods in disguise, Lord Shiva decided to test Lord Ganesha and Lord Kartikeya. He asked them to circle the earth.

Upon hearing this, Lord Ganesha started circling his parents, declaring them his world. Impressed with his wisdom, Lord Shiva declared Lord Ganesha as the supreme leader of his army.

2. Ganesha’s Help to Lord Indra

Once, Lord Indra’s magical chariot lost all its powers due to the sinful gaze of a person in King Shursen’s kingdom. Indra said only someone with punya from Ganesha Chaturthi fasting could restore his chariot’s powers.

Interestingly, a woman had intentionally observed the fast but died due to starvation. Indra used her punya to restore the lost powers.

What is the Sankashti Chaturthi Vrat Vidhi?

As per the Brahmavaivarta Purana, the person who follows the Sankashti Chaturthi vrat vidhi and offers prayers to Vignaharta Ganesha gets wisdom and freedom from all obstructions. Follow the step-by-step Ganesha Sankashti Chaturthi rituals to be such a devotee:

• Performing puja rituals during the Godhuli muhurat or the Abhijeet muhurat is considered auspicious. The Sankashti Chaturthi vrat vidhi begins with the purification of the mind, body, and soul, in which devotees bathe early in the morning.
• Next, light an oil or ghee lamp and place it on the right of the Lord Ganesha’s idol in the temple.
• Then offer durva (grass), flowers, kalava, rice, chandan, haldi, tilak and incense sticks to Lord Ganesha.
• Offer sweets like modaks or laddoos, coconut, paan and Dakshina to Vignaharta Ganesha. Then, recite the Sankashti Chaturthi vrat katha.
• Conclude the pooja rituals by performing Lord Ganesha Arti and observe a phalahar or nirjala vrat for the whole day.
• Once the Sankashti moon rises, break your fast by offering water to Lord Moon and eating fruits, prasad or phalahar.

What are the Sankashti Chaturthi Remedies?

Vignaharta Ganesha pleases easily with little sincerity from his devotees. With true devotion in heart, his grace clears all our hurdles and makes our dreams a reality. Follow the simple remedies below and witness success, peace, and prosperity follow you.

1. Sankashti Chaturthi Remedy for Wealth & Career

Offer Lord Ganesha’s favourite Shami leaves to him on Sakat Chauth and chant Ganesha Strotam. One can also offer Durva or Bermuda leaves to Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, 17 times. Also, apply sindoor to him for a stable and prosperous life.

2. Sankashti Chaturthi Remedy for Health

Tie the three Gomati Chakras, seven cowries and eleven pairs of Nagkeshar together in a white cloth. Rotate it once clockwise, then 6 times anticlockwise, over the person with unstable health. Once done, offer the white cloth to the Ganesha temple with the intention of good health.

3. Sankashti Chaturthi Remedy for Love & Marriage

Place a cotton thread in front of Lord Ganesha’s idol. Then, chant the powerful Ganesha Mantra, ‘’Om Vigneshwaraya Namah,’’ 11 times with devotion. Once done, tie seven knots in the cotton thread with the intention of happiness in love or married life, and keep it with you.

Conclusion

Observing Sankashti Chaturthi is a practice honouring Lord Ganesha. This fast helps remove life's challenges and brings good fortune. Devotees break the fast after worshipping the moon, seeking Ganesha's wisdom and blessings.

Read About Other Important Festivals