October 2026 Sankashti Chaturthi Date, Moonrise Time and Puja Muhurat

Sankashti Chaturthi October 2026 will be observed on Thursday, October 29. Dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the monthly Hindu vrat is observed by devotees seeking relief from obstacles, peace, prosperity and divine blessings. The fast is traditionally kept during Krishna Paksha Chaturthi and is broken after sighting the Moon and offering prayers to Chandra Dev.

According to the Panchang for New Delhi, October 29 marks Vakratunda Sankashti Chaturthi, which coincides with Karwa Chauth this year. The Chaturthi Tithi begins shortly after midnight and continues until late evening. Devotees generally perform the evening puja and offer Arghya to the Moon after moonrise before concluding their fast.

Also Read: October 2026 Hindu Festival Calendar: Indira Ekadashi, Navratri, Dussehra, Sharad Purnima, Karwa Chauth Dates

Sankashti Chaturthi October 2026: Date and Timings

Event	Date and time
Sankashti Chaturthi	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
Moonrise in New Delhi	Around 8:17 PM IST

Note: Timings are based on the New Delhi Panchang and may vary slightly by location and calculation method. Check your local Panchang for the exact moonrise time.

Sankashti Chaturthi 2026: Puja Muhurat

The main puja is generally performed in the evening, followed by prayers to the Moon after it rises. Since Sankashti Chaturthi fasting is associated with moonrise, devotees should plan their vrat and evening rituals according to the local lunar timings.

For New Delhi, the Moon is expected to rise at approximately 8:17 PM on October 29, 2026. Devotees can perform the evening Ganesh puja before moonrise and offer Arghya to the Moon after sighting it.

What Is the Significance of Vakratunda Sankashti Chaturthi?

Sankashti Chaturthi is dedicated to Lord Ganesha, who is worshipped as the remover of obstacles and the deity of wisdom, auspicious beginnings and success. The word Sankashti is associated with deliverance from difficulties, making this vrat spiritually significant for devotees seeking strength and clarity during challenging periods.

The observance falls on the Chaturthi Tithi of Krishna Paksha, the waning phase of the Moon, every lunar month. Each monthly Sankashti Chaturthi has a traditional name associated with a particular form or aspect of Lord Ganesha.

October's observance is known as Vakratunda Sankashti Chaturthi. Vakratunda is one of Lord Ganesha's well-known names and refers to his distinctive curved trunk. Devotees pray to the deity for wisdom, protection, family well-being and the strength to overcome obstacles.

Also Read: Karwa Chauth 2026 Moonrise Time: When Will the Moon Be Visible in Delhi, Noida, Mumbai and Other Cities?

Sankashti Chaturthi Puja Vidhi

Devotees can follow these traditional steps to observe the October Sankashti Chaturthi vrat:

1. Take a morning bath: Wake up early, bathe and take a sankalp to observe the fast according to personal faith and family tradition.
2. Prepare the puja space: Clean the place of worship and arrange an image or idol of Lord Ganesha.
3. Offer prayers: Light a diya and offer flowers, durva grass, incense and fruits to the deity. Modaks or other traditional sweets may also be offered.
4. Chant Ganesh mantras: Recite a prayer such as “Om Gan Ganapataye Namah” and read or listen to the Sankashti Chaturthi Vrat Katha.
5. Perform the evening puja: Worship Lord Ganesha and seek blessings for wisdom, peace and the removal of difficulties.
6. Offer Arghya to the Moon: After moonrise, offer water to Chandra Dev, say your prayers and complete the customary rituals.
7. Break the fast: Conclude the vrat according to your family tradition after the Moon has been sighted and the prescribed worship has been completed.

What to Offer Lord Ganesha on Sankashti Chaturthi

Traditional offerings associated with Lord Ganesha include:

• Durva grass: A customary offering used during Ganesh worship.
• Modak and laddoo: Sweets traditionally associated with the deity.
• Fresh flowers: Offered as a mark of devotion.
• Fruits: Used in the puja and later consumed as prasad.
• Coconut: A common devotional offering in Hindu rituals.
• Incense and a diya: Used during the evening aarti.

Devotees may adapt the offerings according to availability and family customs. Sincere prayer and devotion remain central to the observance.

Sankashti Chaturthi and Karwa Chauth on October 29

October 29, 2026, is significant because Sankashti Chaturthi and Karwa Chauth fall on the same date in New Delhi. Both observances involve the Moon, but they have distinct religious traditions and purposes.

Sankashti Chaturthi is dedicated to Lord Ganesha, and devotees traditionally break their fast after moonrise and the prescribed worship. Karwa Chauth is observed by many married Hindu women, particularly in North India, for the well-being and longevity of their husbands; customs and participation vary among families.

Although the dates coincide, the rituals, prayers and fasting traditions are not identical. Devotees observing both should follow the relevant customs and local Panchang timings for each observance.

Also Read: Karwa Chauth 2026: Date, Puja Muhurat, Moonrise Time, Vrat Vidhi and Fasting Rules