Vikata Sankashti Chaturthi 2026: Date, time, significance, puja rituals and Ganesh mantras

Devotees will observe Vikata Sankashti Chaturthi on April 5, 2026. This Hindu festival honors Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. Followers will fast and offer prayers for prosperity and the fulfillment of their desires. The observance includes specific puja rituals and the recitation of mantras. The fast is broken after moonrise. This day holds significant religious importance for many. Sankashti Chaturthi is a significant Hindu observance dedicated to Lord Ganesha, during which devotees fast and offer prayers seeking blessings for the removal of obstacles and fulfilment of wishes. The day holds deep religious importance, with Ganpati revered as the first deity to be worshipped before any auspicious work. According to the Hindu Panchang, Vikata Sankashti Chaturthi will be observed on the Chaturthi tithi of Krishna Paksha in the month of Chaitra. As per the Gregorian calendar, the occasion falls on April 5, 2026. Chaturthi tithi begins at 11:59 am on April 5, 2026, and ends at 2:10 pm on April 6, 2026. The moonrise on Sankashti day is at 9:58 pm. Sankashti Chaturthi is dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, who is regarded as the remover of obstacles and the god of beginnings. Devotees observe a day-long fast and pray for happiness, prosperity and relief from difficulties. The term "Vikata" signifies a powerful form, while "Sankashti" refers to the removal of troubles. The observance is especially popular in Maharashtra, where devotees follow the fast with great devotion. It is also believed that childless couples observing this vrat may be blessed with offspring. Devotees begin the day early with a ritual bath and take a sankalp to observe the fast. An idol of Lord Ganesha is placed on a clean wooden platform, followed by lighting a diya with ghee and incense sticks. The deity is worshipped with yellow flowers, haldi tilak, durva grass and offerings such as modaks or boondi laddoos. Devotees also offer prasad including semolina halwa, kheer and poori. Ganesh mantras and the vrat katha are recited, along with aartis such as "Jai Ganesh Jai Ganesh Jai Ganesh Dev" and "Shendur Laal Chadhaavo". In the evening, devotees offer water to the Moon God before breaking their fast and distributing prasad among family members.