SAKAT CHATURTHI 2026 – Observe the Fast for Happiness, Prosperity, and Children

In the Sanatan tradition, people consider the Sakat Chauth fast extremely important for the long life of children and happiness and prosperity. Devotees observe this fast on the Chaturthi Tithi of the Krishna Paksha of the Magha month. People also know this fast as Tilwa Chauth, Til-Kuta Chauth, Maghi Chauth, Vakra-Tundi Chaturthi, and other names. This fast connects with the worship of Sakat Mata, Lord Ganesha, and Chandra Dev. People regard the festival of Sakat Chauth as highly meritorious. Hindu women observe the Sakat Chauth fast with full rituals for the progress of their children. Let us know its puja method and religious significance.

Auspicious Timing of Sakat Chauth

According to the Panchang, the Chaturthi Tithi of the Krishna Paksha of the Magha month will begin on 06 January 2026 at 08:01 AM and will end on 07 January 2026 at 06:52 AM. Therefore, devotees will celebrate the holy festival of Sakat Chauth on Tuesday, 06 January 2026. On this day, Chandra Dev will rise at 08:54 PM at night.

Puja Method of Sakat Chauth

To observe the Sakat Chauth fast, take a bath in the morning and worship Lord Shri Ganesha, known as the remover of obstacles and the giver of happiness, with full rituals. During the puja, offer Ganesha’s favorite items such as durva grass, modak, and sesame laddoos. After worshipping Ganesha, read or listen to the Sakat Chauth fast story. Devotees consider the worship of the rising Chandra Dev very important on this day. Therefore, worship and view the Moon with proper rituals at the time of moonrise.

Great Remedy of Sakat Chauth

Along with worship and prayers, people consider charity very important on the day of the Sakat Chauth fast. According to Hindu belief, one should especially donate black sesame seeds or food items made from them, such as laddoos, on this day. In addition, one can donate pure ghee, jaggery, warm clothes, other grains, and money according to one’s capacity.

Religious Significance of the Sakat Chauth Fast

According to Hindu belief, when devotees observe the Sakat Chauth fast with proper rituals, Sakat Mata removes the troubles that befall children. This fast brings the blessings of Lord Ganesha along with Sakat Mata. Through the virtuous effect of this fast, Vighnaharta Ganesha removes all obstacles and grants happiness and good fortune. Similarly, by viewing and worshipping Chandra Dev on Sakat Chauth, mental distress goes away and peace is attained. People call Sakat Chauth “Til-Kuta Chauth” because they especially offer sesame seeds as bhog on this day. Women make a mound of sesame seeds during the puja, which symbolizes obstacles. They cut it in the middle with a silver coin while praying for the well-being of their children.

Story of the Sakat Chauth Fast

According to Hindu belief, in ancient times, a potter earned his livelihood by making earthen pots. To bake the pots, he set up an oven, but once, despite many efforts, the pots did not bake properly. To find the reason, he went to a tantric, who told him that planetary afflictions caused the problem. The tantric said that only by offering the sacrifice of a child would the pots bake properly. It is believed that the potter shared his plight with the king, and the king ordered all the townspeople to send their children one by one for the sacrifice. As this process continued, people began to lose their children.

One day, when the turn of an old widowed mother came, she handed her only son a betel nut and some durva grass before sending him and assured him that when he sat in the fiery oven, he should keep these items clenched in his fist and keep chanting the name of Lord Ganesha. She told him that nothing would happen to him because Lord Ganesha and Sakat Mata would protect him. It is believed that when people placed the child in the oven and lit the fire, the old mother sat outside in the biting cold and prayed to Sakat Mata and Lord Ganesha for her son’s long life.

Belief holds that the oven, which usually took many days to cool, became cold in just one night, and the old mother’s son remained safe inside. Another special belief says that the children who had been sacrificed earlier also came back to life. By the blessings of Sakat Mata and Lord Ganesha, even the fire turned into flowers. Since then, devotees have observed this fast especially for children on the day of Sakat Chauth.