Sankashti Chaturthi July 2026: Check Date, Time, Ganesh Puja Subh Muhurat, Tithi, Vrat, Katha & Moonrise Today

Devotees of Lord Ganesha are gearing up to observe Sankashti Chaturthi, one of the most significant monthly Hindu fasts. Observed every month during the Krishna Paksha Chaturthi, the occasion is marked by a day-long fast, special Ganesh puja and Moon worship, with devotees praying for success, financial stability, good health and relief from life's challenges.

Sankashti Chaturthi July 2026: Check Date, Time, Sankat Chauth Vrat Tithi, Ganesh Puja Shubh Muhurat, Moonrise Timings Date

Popularly known as Sankatahara Chaturthi or Sankat Chauth, the festival holds immense religious importance among devotees across India. The fast is completed only after sighting the Moon and offering Arghya, making Moonrise one of the most awaited moments of the day. Every month, thousands of devotees visit Ganesh temples or perform elaborate rituals at home to seek Lord Ganesha's blessings for removing obstacles and ushering positivity into their lives.

Sankashti Chaturthi on 3 July 2026; Check Panchang Tithi & Muhurat

According to the Hindu Panchang, the Ashadha Sankashti Chaturthi will be observed on Friday, July 3, 2026. The Chaturthi Tithi will begin at 11:20 AM on July 3 and conclude at 12:40 PM on July 4, 2026. Since the vrat is observed according to the Moonrise on Chaturthi, devotees will keep the fast on July 3.

Sunrise on 3 July 2026: 5:49 AM
Sunset: 7:12 PM
Moonrise: 9:58 PM
Moonset: 9:20 AM (July 4)

Sankat Chauth Vrat (Fast): Religious Significance of Sankashti Chaturthi

Sankashti Chaturthi is regarded as one of the most spiritually rewarding fasts dedicated to Lord Ganesha. Hindu scriptures describe Lord Ganesha as the remover of obstacles, and devotees believe that sincere worship on this day helps eliminate hurdles in personal, professional and financial life.

The vrat is also considered beneficial for those praying for career growth, stable finances, harmonious family life, good health and success in new ventures. Many devotees observe the fast every month as an expression of gratitude and devotion towards Lord Ganesha.

How to Perform Sankashti Chaturthi Puja

The day begins before sunrise with devotees taking a holy bath and wearing clean clothes before starting the fast. After cleaning the worship area, an idol or picture of Lord Ganesha is placed on a decorated altar.

During the puja, devotees offer sacred Durva grass, flowers, rice grains, sandalwood paste and light a lamp before the deity. Traditional offerings such as Modak, laddoo or jaggery with roasted gram are presented as bhog.

The mantra "Om Gam Ganapataye Namah" is chanted repeatedly, with many devotees completing at least 108 recitations. Throughout the day, devotees maintain the fast while engaging in prayers and meditation.

The vrat concludes only after the Moon rises. Devotees first offer Arghya to Chandra Dev, perform Lord Ganesha's aarti once again and then break their fast. Donating food, clothes or other essentials to the needy is also considered highly meritorious on this occasion.

Sankashti Ganesh Chaturthi Vrat Katha

One of the most widely narrated stories associated with Sankashti Chaturthi revolves around the legendary King Harishchandra, who endured immense suffering after losing his kingdom, wealth and family.

During his difficult phase, the king sought guidance from Sage Lomash, who advised him to observe the Sankashti Ganesh Chaturthi fast with unwavering devotion. Following the sage's instructions, King Harishchandra worshipped Lord Ganesha, listened to the sacred Vrat Katha and completed the fast only after offering prayers to the Moon.

Moved by his sincere devotion, Lord Ganesha blessed the king by removing the hardships from his life and restoring his lost kingdom, prosperity, honour and family.

The story symbolises Lord Ganesha's role as 'Sankata Nashana', the destroyer of obstacles. It reinforces the belief that those who observe the Sankashti Chaturthi Vrat with complete faith are blessed with peace, prosperity, success and the strength to overcome life's challenges.