The auspicious festival of Sakat Chauth, also widely known as Sankashti Chaturthi, is a significant day of fasting and prayer observed by devotees across India. In 2026, this sacred day falls on Tuesday, January 6, 2026. This vrat is primarily dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, and the Moon God (Chandra Dev). Observing the fast with devotion is believed to bring prosperity, remove hurdles, and ensure the well-being of children.
Sakat Chauth 2026: Key Date and Tithi Details
The observance of Sakat Chauth is governed by the Hindu lunar calendar. The Chaturthi Tithi, which is the fourth day of the waning phase (Krishna Paksha) in the month of Pausha, is the chosen day. For the year 2026, the precise timings are crucial for the vrat rituals. The Chaturthi Tithi begins at 09:29 PM on January 5, 2026, and it concludes at 11:42 PM on January 6, 2026. Devotees will observe the fast on January 6th, breaking it only after sighting the moon in the evening.
City-Wise Moonrise Timings for Sakat Chauth 2026
The most critical aspect of the Sakat Chauth vrat is the timing of the moonrise, as the fast is broken after performing puja upon sighting the moon. The moonrise time varies significantly from city to city across India. Here are the expected moonrise timings for some major cities on January 6, 2026:
New Delhi: The moon is expected to rise at 09:06 PM.
Mumbai: Devotees can look for the moon at 09:22 PM.
Kolkata: The moonrise time is scheduled for 08:37 PM.
Chennai: The moon will appear at approximately 08:59 PM.
Bangalore: Moonrise is predicted for 09:03 PM.
Hyderabad: Look for the moon at 09:05 PM.
Ahmedabad: The moonrise time is 09:19 PM.
Pune: The moon will rise at 09:18 PM.
Jaipur: Expect the moon at 09:10 PM.
It is always advisable for devotees to confirm the exact local timings a day before the festival, as these can vary slightly. The fast is traditionally broken by offering water (Arghya) to the moon and then consuming the prepared food offerings.
Rituals, Significance, and Observance of the Vrat
The Sakat Chauth vrat holds immense importance, especially for mothers who pray for the long life and good health of their sons. The word 'Sakat' is associated with obstacles or hardships, and observing this fast is believed to ward off such difficulties from one's life. The rituals are deeply spiritual and follow a specific pattern.
Devotees wake up early, take a purifying bath, and observe a strict fast throughout the day, abstaining from food and even water in some traditions. As evening approaches, preparations begin for the puja. A dedicated altar is set up with idols or pictures of Lord Ganesha and the Moon God. The puja involves offering various items:
- Modaks and other sweet delicacies, which are Lord Ganesha's favorite.
- Fresh fruits and flowers.
- Incense sticks and lamps (diyas).
Special prayers, stories (katha) associated with Sakat Chauth, and hymns dedicated to Lord Ganesha are recited. As the moon becomes visible, devotees offer water to the moon god through a sacred vessel. Following this ritual, the fast is formally broken by first consuming the offered prasad and then a full meal. The combination of devotion to Ganesha and Chandra makes this a powerful festival for spiritual cleansing and seeking blessings for a smooth, prosperous life free from all kinds of 'sankat' or crises.
