Chaturthi Tithi 2026

Chaturthi Tithi 2026

What is Chaturthi: Understanding Its Significance?

Chaturthi is the fourth tithi (lunar day) in the Hindu lunar calendar, occurring twice a month—once during Shukla Paksha (waxing moon) and once during Krishna Paksha (waning moon). It holds deep spiritual and ritualistic importance, especially associated with Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and the deity of intellect, wisdom, and beginnings.

Among the two, the Krishna Paksha Chaturthi, also known as Sankashti Chaturthi, is especially revered. Devotees observe fasts and perform Ganesha puja to seek relief from personal and karmic challenges. Shukla Paksha Chaturthi, while less emphasized, is also beneficial for invoking clarity and initiating disciplined action.

Energetically, Chaturthi represents mental discipline, inner cleansing, and removal of blockages—both physical and metaphysical. The number four signifies structure and foundation. Fasting or spiritual practice on this day is believed to dismantle subtle hindrances to progress and clear the path for new beginnings.

From an astrological perspective, Chaturthi aligns with overcoming planetary obstacles, especially those influenced by malefic influences like Mars or Rahu. It’s a day for inward focus, disciplined thought, and invoking divine intervention to cut through confusion, inertia, or chaos. Observing Chaturthi fosters clarity, grounded action, and unwavering devotion.

Mantras to Chant During Chaturthi

Chaturthi is closely linked to Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and guardian of auspicious beginnings. Chanting mantras dedicated to Ganesha on this tithi enhances clarity, breaks through delays, and invokes protection for any ongoing or upcoming ventures. Here are powerful mantras suited for Chaturthi observance:

1. Om Gam Ganapataye Namah (ॐ गं गणपतये नमः)

Meaning: Salutations to the remover of obstacles, Lord Ganesha.
Purpose: This is the most widely used Ganesha bija mantra. It helps eliminate hurdles, both physical and mental, and brings clarity to decisions and intentions. Reciting this during Chaturthi strengthens focus and prepares the mind for clean beginnings.

2. Vakratunda Mahakaya Suryakoti Samaprabha Nirvighnam Kuru Me Deva Sarva-Kaaryeshu Sarvada

Meaning: O Lord with a curved trunk, large body, and brilliance like a million suns, please remove all obstacles from my endeavors—always.
Purpose: Ideal before starting any important task, especially on Chaturthi. It invokes Ganesha’s grace to ensure smooth progress in work, study, or spiritual practices.

3. Om Sumukhaya Namah

Meaning: Salutations to the one with a pleasant face.
Purpose: Part of the 108 names of Ganesha, this mantra cultivates charm, harmony, and sweetness in communication—especially helpful when seeking resolution or reconciliation.

These mantras may be chanted during sunrise or moonrise, depending on tradition, with sincere intention and mental clarity.

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Chaturthi Tithi 2026 (Chennai Time)

Month	Paksha	Chaturthi Timing (Start – End)
January	Krishna Paksha	Jan 06, 8:02 am – Jan 07, 6:53 am
January	Shukla Paksha	Jan 22, 2:47 am – Jan 23, 2:28 am
February	Krishna Paksha	Feb 05, 12:10 am – Feb 06, 12:22 am
February	Shukla Paksha	Feb 20, 2:38 pm – Feb 21, 1:01 pm
March	Krishna Paksha	Mar 06, 5:53 pm – Mar 07, 7:17 pm
March	Shukla Paksha	Mar 21, 11:56 pm – Mar 22, 9:17 pm
April	Krishna Paksha	Apr 05, 12:00 pm – Apr 06, 2:11 pm
April	Shukla Paksha	Apr 20, 7:28 am – Apr 21, 4:15 am
May	Krishna Paksha	May 05, 5:24 am – May 06, 7:51 am
May	Shukla Paksha	May 19, 2:18 pm – May 20, 11:07 am
June	Krishna Paksha	Jun 03, 9:21 pm – Jun 04, 11:30 pm
June	Shukla Paksha	Jun 17, 9:39 pm – Jun 18, 6:59 pm
July	Krishna Paksha	Jul 03, 11:20 am – Jul 04, 12:40 pm
July	Shukla Paksha	Jul 17, 6:28 am – Jul 18, 4:43 am
August	Krishna Paksha	Aug 01, 11:07 pm – Aug 02, 11:15 pm
August	Shukla Paksha	Aug 15, 5:29 pm – Aug 16, 4:53 pm
August	Krishna Paksha	Aug 31, 8:51 am – Sep 01, 7:42 am
September	Shukla Paksha	Sep 14, 7:07 am – Sep 15, 7:44 am
September	Krishna Paksha	Sep 29, 5:10 pm – Sep 30, 2:55 pm
October	Shukla Paksha	Oct 13, 11:28 pm – Oct 15, 1:13 am
October	Krishna Paksha	Oct 29, 1:07 am – Oct 29, 10:10 pm
November	Shukla Paksha	Nov 12, 6:09 pm – Nov 13, 8:43 pm
November	Krishna Paksha	Nov 27, 9:49 am – Nov 28, 6:40 am
December	Shukla Paksha	Dec 12, 2:06 pm – Dec 13, 4:48 pm
December	Krishna Paksha	Dec 26, 8:05 pm – Dec 27, 5:13 am

Remedies for Chaturthi

• Visit a Ganesha temple early in the morning and offer durva grass, modak, or jaggery with devotion to seek removal of mental and physical obstacles.
• At home, clean your prayer space, light a ghee lamp, and chant Ganesha mantras with focus to clear internal resistance and invoke clarity.
• Book the Vighneshwara Homa from the AstroBhava website to dissolve unseen hurdles in personal or professional life and bring swift resolution to delays.
• Perform the Sankashti Chaturthi Homa through AstroBhava to seek Ganesha’s blessings for mental clarity, smooth beginnings, and obstacle-free progress.
• Schedule the Ganapati Puja from AstroBhava to establish protection, initiate important ventures, and realign energies that support focused decision-making.
• Choose the Chaturthi Special Ganesha Puja offered by AstroBhava to receive blessings for intellect, education, and karmic purification during this powerful tithi.
• Avoid speaking ill of others, especially spiritual teachers or elders, as doing so on Chaturthi is considered papa and can lead to mental unrest.
• Refrain from ignoring inner resistance or spiritual duties—neglecting these on Chaturthi reinforces karmic stagnation and delays the clearing of long-standing blocks.

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Do’s During Chaturthi

• Wake up early and take a head bath before sunrise to purify the body and mind, preparing yourself for the day’s spiritual significance.
• Clean your home, especially the altar or puja area, as cleanliness attracts sattvic vibrations and invites Ganesha’s presence.
• Offer durva grass, red flowers, jaggery, banana, and modak to Lord Ganesha, either at home or in a temple, as these are his favorite offerings.
• Chant Ganesha mantras such as “Om Gam Ganapataye Namah” or the Ganapati Atharvashirsha to invoke his blessings for clarity and obstacle removal.
• Perform a simple puja during moonrise if observing Sankashti Chaturthi; it is believed that Ganesha’s energy is strongest at that time.
• Maintain a fast, if health permits, either nirjala (without water) or phalahar (fruits and milk), to purify the body and mind.
• Feed cows, birds, or donate food to the needy as a way of honoring Ganesha’s energy, which is compassionate and inclusive.
• Spend time in introspection, journaling, or silence to understand inner blocks or repetitive patterns that need release.
• Begin new study routines, business ideas, or creative work under Ganesha’s guidance, as Chaturthi is auspicious for fresh starts.
• Involve children or family members in chanting or storytelling related to Ganesha to cultivate collective spiritual energy in the household.
• Light a ghee or sesame oil lamp in front of Ganesha’s idol or picture to dispel ignorance and welcome wisdom into your life.
• Offer sincere prayers for mental peace and clarity if you’re facing indecision, delays, or confusion in any area of life.

Don’ts During Chaturthi

• Do not consume non-vegetarian food, onion, garlic, or alcohol, as these tamasic substances disturb the spiritual vibrations of the tithi.
• Avoid speaking harshly, gossiping, or engaging in arguments, especially with parents, elders, or spiritual figures—Chaturthi demands verbal discipline.
• Do not disrespect idols or sacred objects by placing them carelessly, keeping them unclean, or using them casually for decoration.
• Refrain from ignoring your regular spiritual practices like japa, puja, or prayers—even minimal effort is spiritually meaningful on this day.
• Avoid cutting trees, trimming nails, or engaging in shaving/haircuts, as these are considered inauspicious and reduce the merit of Chaturthi observance.
• Do not start a journey or major business deal without invoking Lord Ganesha, as this may result in obstacles or unforeseen complications.
• Refrain from eating during eclipse hours or moonrise if fasting for Sankashti Chaturthi—breaking the fast before moon sighting is discouraged.
• Don’t overeat or indulge in heavy foods even if not fasting; moderation supports clarity and harmony on a spiritually sensitive day.
• Avoid negative thinking, self-doubt, or cursing your circumstances—Chaturthi is a day for releasing such patterns, not reinforcing them.
• Do not ignore acts of charity or compassion; hoarding or selfish behavior on this day weakens the Ganesha tattva within.
• Refrain from sleeping during the daytime, especially if observing a vrat, as it reduces the spiritual potency of the fast.
• Do not act impulsively in relationships, finances, or communication—Chaturthi energy supports pause, reflection, and wise, measured actions.

Benefits of Chaturthi Fasting

1. Removes Physical and Mental Obstacles

Fasting on Chaturthi is directly linked to invoking Lord Ganesha’s power to clear blockages. Whether these are health-related, emotional, or circumstantial, the focused observance helps dismantle resistance from within. It prepares your mind to act with clarity and decisiveness, and over time, many find smoother progress in tasks they were once stuck in.

2. Improves Digestive Health

Chaturthi fasting often involves light or no food, giving the digestive system time to rest and reset. This periodic break boosts metabolism, balances digestive fire (agni), and reduces ama (toxins), which in Ayurveda is seen as the root of many ailments. Over time, those who fast regularly report better gut health and reduced bloating or heaviness.

3. Brings Clarity of Thought

Without the distraction of meals or stimulants, the mind becomes more focused. Chaturthi fasting supports sharper thinking and introspection. It’s an ideal day to journal, set intentions, or make decisions with deeper awareness. This mental quietude is especially powerful when paired with chanting or reading spiritual texts.

4. Strengthens Willpower

Fasting on Chaturthi trains the mind to resist cravings and manage urges. This restraint sharpens self-control and strengthens resolve not just around food, but in speech, action, and reactions. Consistent fasting cultivates inner discipline that spills over into all areas of life, from career to personal habits.

5. Increases Lunar Sensitivity

Chaturthi is a tithi ruled by the moon’s subtler energy shifts. Fasting on this day makes one more attuned to lunar cycles, which govern emotion, intuition, and mental flow. With regular observance, you start recognizing patterns in mood and energy tied to the moon’s waxing and waning.

6. Aids in Detoxification

On a physical level, skipping heavy food and hydrating well on Chaturthi helps flush out toxins. On a subtle level, the body clears stored emotional residues and mental fatigue. This detox effect restores balance across body, mind, and energy field, leaving practitioners feeling lighter and clearer the next day.

7. Enhances Devotional Energy

Fasting isn’t just abstaining from food—it’s also redirection of attention to the divine. Chaturthi fasting strengthens the bhakti (devotion) bhava. With a quieter body and more focused mind, your prayers carry more potency, and you feel more connected to Lord Ganesha’s grace and guidance.

8. Improves Sleep Quality

Many observe that fasting, especially when done without heavy or late meals, leads to deeper, more restful sleep. The body isn’t busy digesting; instead, it shifts into repair mode. A good night’s rest post-fasting supports regeneration and higher energy the following day.

9. Builds Emotional Resilience

Abstaining from food forces you to confront discomfort—hunger, agitation, impatience. When you fast with awareness, these reactions become visible. Over time, this awareness helps you pause before reacting emotionally in daily life. Emotional strength grows as you learn to respond, not react.

10. Strengthens Relationship with Ganesha

Chaturthi is deeply associated with Lord Ganesha. By fasting and dedicating the day to his worship, you nurture a sacred connection that brings his qualities—wisdom, steadiness, clarity—into your life. Many devotees report improved timing, unexpected support, or intuitive solutions after a sincere fast.

11. Improves Speech and Communication

Ganesha governs the throat chakra and the power of words. Chaturthi fasting purifies this channel. When the digestive system is at rest, awareness of speech and its impact heightens. You may notice your words carry more weight, or that silence becomes more powerful than argument.

12. Reduces Overindulgence

In a world of excess, fasting helps correct patterns of unconscious consumption—be it food, media, or noise. Chaturthi serves as a monthly reset, reminding you that simplicity nourishes more than abundance. This awareness gradually shifts your lifestyle to be more mindful and balanced.

13. Invokes Protective Energy

Lord Ganesha is known as Vighnaharta—the remover of obstacles. Fasting on Chaturthi invokes his protection from unseen or karmic barriers. It’s a time to ask for inner and outer shielding, especially before important ventures or transitions, and to feel guided by a higher intelligence.

14. Elevates Spiritual Vibrations

On Chaturthi, the spiritual energy of the atmosphere is particularly high. Fasting allows the body to become a vessel to receive and hold this energy. Meditation and mantra chanting on this day feel more effective and grounded. The entire day becomes a spiritual retreat.

15. Promotes Gratitude and Contentment

When you go without something as basic as food, your appreciation for life deepens. Fasting on Chaturthi helps cultivate contentment and gratitude—not just for meals, but for shelter, health, and the ability to choose. This attitude brings joy and lessens restlessness.

16. Supports Harmonious Relationships

Anger, ego, and impulsive speech often create conflict. Chaturthi fasting calms these tendencies, and when paired with prayers to Ganesha, it brings smoother relationship dynamics. Fasting reminds us to choose kindness, silence, or wisdom over reactivity, fostering harmony in family and social circles.

17. Attracts Auspicious Beginnings

Whether it’s a new business, education, or a spiritual journey, Ganesha is traditionally invoked first. Fasting on Chaturthi aligns your subtle body to be receptive to auspicious opportunities. It clears the path, mentally and energetically, for new beginnings to unfold with ease.

18. Balances Masculine and Feminine Energies

Ganesha embodies balance between logic and intuition. Fasting on Chaturthi harmonizes these inner polarities. You become less rigid or emotional, and more integrated in your responses. This energetic balance helps in decision-making, relationships, and creative pursuits.

19. Supports Ancestral Healing

Regular fasting on tithis like Chaturthi helps clear ancestral patterns, especially related to speech, success, and obstacles. Offering the benefits of your fast to your lineage can support karmic release and invite blessings from ancestors who support your path.

20. Develops Consistency in Sadhana

When observed monthly, Chaturthi fasting becomes a spiritual anchor. It teaches consistency without pressure. Each month, this discipline grows stronger, deepening your commitment to sadhana (spiritual practice). Over time, even the rest of your month aligns better around this tithi’s energy.

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FAQs Related to Chaturthi

1. What is Chaturthi Tithi and why is it significant?

Chaturthi is the fourth lunar day in both waxing (Shukla) and waning (Krishna) phases of the moon. It is especially sacred to Lord Ganesha. This tithi is known for its spiritual potency in removing obstacles, improving focus, and invoking divine guidance for new beginnings.

2. What is the difference between Sankashti and Vinayaka Chaturthi?

Sankashti Chaturthi occurs during Krishna Paksha (waning moon) and is observed with fasting and moonrise prayers. Vinayaka Chaturthi falls during Shukla Paksha and focuses on worship and offering to Lord Ganesha. Both are powerful but Sankashti is more oriented toward obstacle removal.

3. What should be avoided during Chaturthi?

Avoid consuming non-vegetarian food, onion, garlic, and alcohol. One should also avoid anger, harsh speech, gossip, and breaking fast before moonrise on Sankashti Chaturthi. Sleeping during the day is discouraged if observing a fast.

4. How is Chaturthi fasting observed?

Fasting may be partial (fruits, milk) or complete (nirjala). Devotees refrain from food and water until they see the moon, then break the fast after performing Ganesha puja. Some people observe it only during Sankashti, while others fast on both phases.

5. What are the benefits of Chaturthi fasting?

It helps in clearing physical, emotional, and karmic blocks. Fasting improves focus, digestion, emotional resilience, and aligns you with Lord Ganesha’s blessings for success, peace, and clarity.

6. Can women observe Chaturthi fast?

Yes, women are encouraged to fast on Chaturthi. It is especially beneficial for marital harmony, emotional clarity, and family well-being. There are no restrictions unless advised medically.

7. What time should I break the fast on Sankashti Chaturthi?

The fast is traditionally broken after sighting the moon. The moonrise time varies each month and should be checked according to your local (or preferred) time zone—in this case, Chennai time.

8. Are there any special mantras for Chaturthi?

Yes. Powerful mantras include “Om Gam Ganapataye Namah,” “Vakratunda Mahakaya,” and the Ganapati Atharvashirsha. Chanting these during Chaturthi brings mental clarity and invokes divine intervention.

9. Can I perform homa or puja during Chaturthi at home?

Yes. Even a simple puja with a Ganesha idol or image, durva grass, modak offering, and mantra chanting is effective. For elaborate rituals, one can also book Chaturthi-special homa or puja services from AstroBhava.

10. What if I can’t fast due to health reasons?

Fasting is optional and should be adapted to your physical capacity. You can still observe the tithi through prayer, chanting, and offering food to others. Sincerity matters more than ritual rigidity.