Vikata Sankashti Chaturthi 2026: Date, Significance, and Rituals

Sankashti Chaturthi is a highly revered occasion for Hindus, dedicated to the worship of Lord Ganesha, affectionately known as Ganpati Bappa. This day holds immense spiritual significance, as devotees express their gratitude and seek blessings from the protector and remover of obstacles.

Sankashti Chaturthi 2026: Date and Time

The Vikata Sankashti fast will be celebrated on the Chaturthi Tithi of Krishna Paksha in the month of Chaitra, as per the Hindu Panchang. According to the Gregorian calendar, this significant day will fall on April 5, 2026.

• Chaturthi Tithi Begins: April 5, 2026 – 11:59 AM
• Chaturthi Tithi Ends: April 6, 2026 – 02:10 PM
• Moonrise on Sankashti Day: 09:58 PM

Vikata Sankashti Chaturthi 2026: Significance

Sankashti Chaturthi is a sacred day dedicated to seeking the blessings of Lord Ganesha, who is considered the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Referred to as "Pratham Pujya," Lord Ganesha is worshipped before any auspicious event can commence.

This day allows devotees to rid themselves of life’s obstacles and sufferings through sincere prayers and fasting. The significance of ‘Vikata’ means horrendous, denoting the removal of all adversities. It’s traditionally observed in Maharashtra, where devotees fast with devotion and belief.

Moreover, couples seeking to have children are often advised to observe this fast, believing it brings forth their wishes.

Vikata Sankashti Chaturthi 2026: Puja Rituals

Performing puja rituals on this day is believed to attract divine blessings and prosperity. Here’s a step-by-step guide to observing the fast:

1. Early Rise: Devotees should wake up early on the day of the fast.
2. Purification: Take a bath and set your intention (sankalp) before starting the fast.
3. Setup Puja: Place an idol of Lord Ganesha on a wooden plank.
4. Light Offerings: Use desi ghee to light a diya and incense sticks.
5. Chant Mantras: Invoke the idol by reciting Ganesh mantras.
6. Offerings: Decorate the idol with yellow flowers, apply haldi tilak, and present modaks or boondi laddoos.
7. Traditional Bhog: Don’t forget to include durva grass and bhog prasad, such as semolina halwa, kheer, and puri.
8. Recite Katha: Narrate the vrat katha and chant the aarti, “Jai Ganesh Jai Ganesh Jai Ganesh Dev” or “Shendur Laal Chadhaavo.”
9. Distribution: Share the bhog prasad with family members, spending the day reciting Lord Ganesh mantras.
10. Evening Ritual: In the evening, offer water to the Moon God before breaking the fast.

Ganesha Mantras

Incorporating mantras during the puja is considered auspicious. Here are a couple of powerful mantras dedicated to Lord Ganesha:

1. Om Gan Ganpataye Namah..!!

2. Om Vakratunda Mahakaye Suryakoti Samaprabha
   Nirvighnam Kurumayedev Sarva Karyeshu Sarvada,
   Gajananam Bhoot Ganadhi Sevitam
   Kapita Jambhu Phalcharu Bhakshinam
   Uma-Sutam Shok Vinaashkarakam Namami Vighneshwaram Pada Pankhajam..!!

By observing this sacred occasion with devotion, you can experience the transformative blessings of Lord Ganesha.