2026 Sankarshana Chaturthi
February 26, 2026 Thursday
Sankarshana Chaturthi Timings
2026 Sankarshana Chaturthi
According to the Hindu Panchang, on the Vaishakha Shukla Chaturthi Tithi, devotees observe the Sankarshana Ganesha Vrat and worship Lord Ganesha in His Sankarshana form. Sankarshana Ganesha is regarded as one of the various divine manifestations of Lord Ganesha. During this Vrat, Shankha, i.e., conch shells are especially donated to Brahmins. According to Hindu scriptures, Lord Ganesha manifested during Madhyahna Kala. Therefore, during this fast, Lord Ganesha should be worshipped during the Madhyahna.
The Vaishakha Shukla Chaturthi Vrat holds great significance in Hindu tradition. It is observed on the Shukla Paksha Chaturthi of the Vaishakha month. In some regions, according to scriptural injunctions, devotees worship Lord Ganesha in His Sumukha Ganesha form on this day. Sumukha is one of the twelve celebrated names of Lord Ganesha.
Scriptures describe the Chaturthi Tithi as being especially dear to Lord Ganesha. According to texts such as the Ganesha Purana, Skanda Purana, Vrataraja, Dharmasindhu and Nirnaya Sindhu, observing a fast on every Shukla Paksha Chaturthi removes obstacles, fulfills desires and grants great merit. Chaturthi of the Vaishakha month is considered particularly auspicious, as this month itself is beloved to Lord Vishnu and is said to be highly fruitful. The Ganesha Purana states -
चतुर्थ्यां वैशाखे मासि सुमुखं यः समर्चयेत्। सर्वविघ्नविनिर्मुक्तः स सुखं लभते नरः॥
Chaturthyam Vaishakhe Masi Sumukham Yah Samarchayet। Sarvavighnavinirmuktah Sa Sukham Labhate Narah॥
Meaning - "He who worships Lord Sumukha Ganesha on the Chaturthi of the Vaishakha month becomes free from all obstacles and attains happiness and prosperity."
Sankarshana Chaturthi Vrat Vidhi
A simple method of fasting on the day of Vaishakha Shukla Chaturthi has been described. However slight variations may exist based on regional and family traditions.
- First take a bath and wear clean clothes. Then take the Sankalpa to observe the fast.
- At the place of worship, spread a red cloth on a wooden platform and install an idol or image of Lord Ganesha.
- Offer Durva grass, Sindura, Laddu, Modak, flowers, betel nuts, Roli and sandalwood paste while performing the Shodashopachara Ganesha Pujan.
- Recite the Ganesha Atharvashirsha, Rina Harta Ganesha Stotra and the Ganesha Dwadasha Namavali with devotion.
- Observe a fast throughout the day, either Nirjala, without water or with fruits, i.e., Phalahara, as per capacity.
- Conclude the observance by listening to or reciting the Sankarshana Chaturthi Vrat Katha to obtain the full merit of the Vrat.
- According to the Mudgala Purana, on the Panchami Tithi, conclude all rituals by performing Parana i.e. breaking the fast, in the presence of a Brahmin.
This Vrat is particularly recommended for those facing obstacles in business, education, or new undertakings. The Vrataraja text describes it as Sarva Siddhi Prada which means a Vrat that grants success in all endeavors. According to a verse from the Dharma Sindhu -
वैशाखे चतुर्थ्यां तु व्रतमेतत् समाचरेत्। सुमुखं पूजयित्वा तु सिद्धिं लभते निश्चितम्॥
Vaishakhe Chaturthyam Tu Vratametat Samacharet। Sumukham Pujayitva Tu Siddhim Labhate Nishchitam॥
Thus, the Vaishakha Shukla Chaturthi Vrat, dedicated to the worship of Lord Ganesha, removes obstacles, grants peace, prosperity and success in life. This fast fills life with renewed energy and divine blessings when observed with complete faith and devotion.