Sankashti Chaturthi October 2026 Date: Vakratunda Ganesh Chaturthi Tithi, Puja Shubh Muhurat & Moonrise Time

Sankashti Chaturthi in October 2026 will be observed on Thursday, October 29, with devotees worshipping Lord Ganesha for the removal of obstacles, wisdom, prosperity and family well-being. The monthly Hindu vrat falls on Chaturthi Tithi during Krishna Paksha, or the waning phase of the Moon. Devotees traditionally observe a fast, perform Ganesh puja and offer prayers to Chandra Dev after sighting the Moon before concluding their vrat.

According to the Panchang, the October observance is known as Vakratunda Sankashti Chaturthi. This year, the occasion also coincides with Karwa Chauth in many North Indian calendars, making moonrise timings particularly important for devotees planning their evening prayers and fast-breaking rituals.

Sankashti Chaturthi October 2026 Date, Timings, Fast, Puja Shubh Muhurat & More

Sankashti Chaturthi will fall on October 29, 2026. According to the Panchang timings provided for New Delhi, Chaturthi Tithi will begin at around 1:06 am and end at approximately 10:09 pm on the same day. The Moon is expected to rise in New Delhi at around 8:17 pm.

The key details for the observance are:

Sankashti Chaturthi date: Thursday, October 29, 2026

Vrat name: Vakratunda Sankashti Chaturthi

Paksha: Krishna Paksha

Chaturthi Tithi begins: October 29, around 1:06 am IST

Chaturthi Tithi ends: October 29, around 10:09 pm IST

Expected moonrise in New Delhi: Around 8:17 pm IST

These timings are specific to New Delhi and may vary across cities. Devotees are advised to check their local Panchang for the precise moonrise time and follow their family or temple traditions when planning the puja and concluding the fast.

Sankashti Chaturthi is dedicated to Lord Ganesha, who is worshipped as Vighnaharta, the remover of obstacles. The word Sankashti is associated with relief from difficulties, and devotees observe the monthly vrat to seek blessings for wisdom, peace, prosperity and progress in their personal and professional lives.

The observance takes place every lunar month on Chaturthi Tithi during Krishna Paksha. Each monthly Sankashti Chaturthi is associated with a particular name or form of Lord Ganesha. The October 2026 observance is known as Vakratunda Sankashti Chaturthi, referring to Ganesha's curved trunk.

For many devotees, the vrat is a spiritual practice that emphasises prayer, patience and self-discipline. Lord Ganesha is also associated with auspicious beginnings, and devotees seek his blessings before important family occasions, educational milestones, financial decisions and professional undertakings.

Sankashti Chaturthi Puja Vidhi and Moonrise Rituals

Devotees generally begin Sankashti Chaturthi by taking a bath, offering prayers and making a sankalp, or vow, to observe the fast with devotion. The puja area is cleaned, and an idol or image of Lord Ganesha is placed for worship.

Traditional offerings include durva grass, flowers, fruits, coconut, incense, a diya and sweets such as modak or laddoo. Devotees may chant the mantra "Om Gan Ganapataye Namah" and read or listen to the Sankashti Chaturthi Vrat Katha. The evening prayers are usually followed by aarti.

Moonrise holds special significance for the vrat. Devotees generally perform Ganesh puja in the evening and wait until the Moon is visible. They then offer Arghya, or water, to Chandra Dev and say their prayers before breaking the fast according to family customs.

For devotees in New Delhi, the Moon is expected to rise at approximately 8:17 pm on October 29. Since moonrise varies according to location, those observing the vrat in other cities should confirm the local timing rather than relying on the New Delhi schedule.

Disclaimer: The views and recommendations expressed are solely those of the individual analysts or entities and do not reflect the views of Goodreturns.in or Greynium Information Technologies Private Limited (together referred as "we"). We do not guarantee, endorse or take responsibility for the accuracy, completeness or reliability of any content, nor do we provide any investment advice or solicit the purchase or sale of securities. All information is provided for informational and educational purposes only and should be independently verified from licensed financial advisors before making any investment decisions.