Sankashti December 2025: Dates & Rituals Guide

As the year draws to a close, the spiritual atmosphere in many Hindu households thickens with anticipation for the final auspicious days of the calendar. For devotees of Lord Ganesha, few days are as significant as Sankashti Chaturthi. Looking ahead, sankashti december 2025 holds a special place in the hearts of worshippers, marking a time for reflection, gratitude, and the removal of obstacles before stepping into the new year.

Having observed these fasts for over a decade within my own family, I’ve come to realize that Sankashti isn’t just about abstaining from food; it is a profound reset button for the mind. Whether you are a seasoned devotee or someone looking to start this spiritual practice, understanding the nuances of the December 2025 observance is crucial for a fulfilling experience.

Understanding the Significance of Sankashti Chaturthi

The word "Sankashti" originates from the Sanskrit word suitable for "deliverance during difficult times." It is believed that observing this fast helps reduce problems and hurdles in a devotee's life because Lord Ganesha is the Vighnaharta—the remover of obstacles. Each lunar month has two Chaturthis (fourth day), but the one falling on the waning phase of the moon (Krishna Paksha) is known as Sankashti Chaturthi.

When this Chaturthi falls on a Tuesday, it is called Angarki Sankashti Chaturthi and is considered highly auspicious. However, regardless of the day, the December observance is particularly poignant. It represents the closing of a cycle. Just as we balance our financial books at the end of the year, this spiritual observance allows us to balance our karmic books, seeking forgiveness for the year's missteps and strength for the year ahead.

Sankashti December 2025: The Specific Date and Timing

Accuracy is everything when it comes to Vedic rituals. The tithi (lunar day) often spans across two Gregorian calendar days, leading to confusion. For sankashti december 2025, the specific date is vital for planning your fasting schedule.

In December 2025, the Sankashti Chaturthi falls on Tuesday, December 9, 2025. Since it falls on a Tuesday, this makes it an Angarki Sankashti Chaturthi. This is a rare and powerful coincidence. Angarki Chaturthi is believed to be equivalent to performing millions of other fasts. If you only fast once a year, this is the date to choose.

Key Timings to Note:

• Chaturthi Tithi Begins: Late evening on December 8, 2025.
• Chaturthi Tithi Ends: Evening on December 9, 2025.
• Moonrise Time: This is the most critical element, as the fast is broken only after sighting the moon. Moonrise timings vary significantly by city (e.g., Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, New York). Generally, on Sankashti, the moon rises later in the evening, often around 9:00 PM or later depending on your longitude