Til Chaturthi 2026 – A Fast for Children’s Long Life and Good Fortune

Sakat Chauth or Til Chaturthi is a very important festival celebrated in Hinduism, especially dedicated to Lord Ganesha and Sankata Mata. Mothers observe this fast for the long life, good fortune of their children, and to remove every obstacle (sankat) from their lives. People also know it as Sankashti Chaturthi, Til Chaturthi, or Vakratundi Chaturthi. In the year 2026, devotees will observe Til Chaturthi on 6 January.

When Is Til Chaturthi 2026

Til Chaturthi 2026 differs from the Chaturthi that comes every month because it holds special significance.
People celebrate this festival according to the Hindu Panchang on the Krishna Paksha Chaturthi of the month of Magha (January–February). In the year 2026, devotees will observe Sakat Chauth on Tuesday, 6 January.
People call the Krishna Paksha Chaturthi of Magha month Til Chaturthi. Devotees consider the fast complete only after the sighting and worship of the Moon.

Significance and Rituals of Til Chaturthi 2026

Til Chaturthi 2026 holds deep religious importance because it relates to Vighnaharta Ganesha, who removes the greatest obstacles of life, and to Sankata Devi. It also connects with food habits during the winter season.

Importance of Til Chaturthi

Protection of Children: The main objective of this fast is to protect children from all kinds of suffering and misfortune. Mothers observe the fast with full devotion and seek a protective shield for their children from Lord Ganesha.
Freedom from Obstacles: Believers say that observing this fast and performing the puja removes major life obstacles and brings happiness and prosperity to the home.
Importance of Tilkut: Offering tilkut made from sesame seeds and jaggery as prasad is mandatory on this day. People consider sesame seeds a symbol of purity and destruction of sins, and tilkut is very dear to Lord Ganesha.
Mythological Story: Devotees listen to a story related to Lord Ganesha on this day, through which mothers understand the importance and benefits of the fast.
People perform the puja in the evening with Lord Ganesha and the Moon at the center. The puja uses sesame seeds, jaggery, durva grass, rice grains, and vermilion.

Til Chaturthi 2026 and Puja Method

People consider the fast of Til Chaturthi 2026 very difficult yet highly rewarding, and they observe it with discipline and devotion.

Resolution: Wake up early in the morning, complete bathing rituals, wear clean clothes, and begin the fast with a resolution for the protection of children.
Fruit Diet or Nirjala: Devotees mainly observe this fast as nirjala (without water), although some devotees follow a fruit-only diet with water according to their physical capacity.
Completion of the Fast: The fast ends after devotees sight the Moon at night.

Til Chaturthi 2026 Puja Method

Setting the Altar: In the evening, take a bath, wear clean clothes, and spread a red cloth on a wooden platform. Install idols or pictures of Lord Ganesha, Sankata Mata, and the Moon.
Puja Items: Offer durva grass, vermilion, rice grains, and special tilkut made of sesame seeds and jaggery to Lord Ganesha. Include sugarcane and sweet potato in the offering.
Sankat Katha: Read or listen to the Sakat Chauth fast story during the puja. Devotees consider the fast incomplete without it.
Offering to the Moon: After moonrise, worship the Moon and offer arghya (water offering) mixed with milk, water, and rice grains. Only after this, break the fast and first consume tilkut prasad.
The fast and rituals of Sakat Chauth symbolize the unbreakable love and faith between a mother and her child.