Angaraki Sankashti Chaturthi 2026: Dates & Rituals

There is a specific kind of quietude that settles over a household before dawn on a Sankashti day. I remember watching my grandmother prepare for these fasts when I was a child. The kitchen would smell faintly of camphor and fresh flowers long before the sun peeked over the horizon. While every monthly Chaturthi dedicated to Lord Ganesha holds significance, there is one that stands head and shoulders above the rest: the Angaraki Sankashti Chaturthi. As we look ahead, planning for angaraki sankashti chaturthi 2026 becomes essential for devotees wishing to observe this highly auspicious day with the reverence it deserves.

For the uninitiated, Sankashti Chaturthi falls on the fourth day of the waning moon phase (Krishna Paksha) every month. However, when this holy fourth day coincides with a Tuesday (Angaraki), it transforms into Angaraki Sankashti Chaturthi. It is believed that observing this single fast is equivalent to fasting for all Sankashti Chaturthis throughout the year. It is a day of immense spiritual power, believed to remove obstacles and grant the deepest desires of the devotee.

Why Angaraki Chaturthi Holds Special Power

The legend behind this specific day is fascinating and speaks to the power of devotion. Mythology tells us that Angarak, the son of Mother Earth and Bharadwaj Rishi, was a great devotee of Lord Ganesha. He performed intense penance (tapasya) to please the elephant-headed god. Pleased by his dedication, Lord Ganesha appeared before him on the fourth day of the dark lunar fortnight, which happened to be a Tuesday.

Ganesha granted Angarak a boon: that his name would be forever associated with this day. Since Mars (Mangal) is the ruling planet of Tuesday and is also known as Angarak, the day became known as Angaraki Chaturthi. This alignment of celestial timing and divine blessing makes it a potent time for resolving problems related to Mars in one's horoscope (Mangal Dosh) and for overcoming seemingly insurmountable hurdles in life.

Marking Your Calendar: Angaraki Sankashti Chaturthi 2026

Planning religious observances well in advance is a hallmark of dedicated practice. In 2026, devotees need to be particularly attentive to the calendar because Angaraki Chaturthi is a rare occurrence. It does not happen every month, or even necessarily every year in a predictable pattern.

For the year 2026, the key date to mark is:

March 31, 2026 (Tuesday)

This date falls in the Hindu month of Chaitra. It is vital to prepare for angaraki sankashti chaturthi 2026 by understanding the specific timings for the moonrise (Chandrodaya), as the fast is traditionally broken only after sighting the moon and offering prayers to it.

Note: While March 31st is the primary occurrence, lunar calendars are complex. Always consult a local Panchang (almanac) closer to the date for precise moonrise timings in your specific city, as these vary by geography.

The Rituals: A Guide to Observing the Vrat

Observing the fast isn't just about abstaining from food; it's about shifting your mental state. The word 'Sankashti' comes from the Sanskrit word for "