• Chaturthi tithi begins at 05:09 PM on 29 September 2026

• Chaturthi tithi ends at 02:55 PM on 30 September 2026

• Moonrise: 07:52 PM on 29 September 2026

Point to consider: Sankashti Chaturthi fasting is generally concluded after Moonrise. Check your local Panchang for the exact timing, since moonrise and puja timings can vary by location.

Vighnaraja Sankashti Chaturthi becomes especially meaningful because it brings together the worship of Bhagwan Ganesha and Mangal Dev. Bhagwan Ganesha is associated with “wisdom and the removal of obstacles.” Meanwhile Mangal Dev is associated with “courage, energy, and determination.”

This combination is especially meaningful for devotees who are going through an important phase of life or facing a difficult decision. By observing this vrat, devotees seek Bappa’s blessings for a clear mind and Mangal Dev’s blessings for the courage to act on the right path. In simple terms, this vrat carries a simple and clear message: “Wisdom should guide our actions, and courage should help us follow that path!”

One popular story explains how Bhagwan Ganesha came to be known as Vighnaraja. Legend has it that a demon called “Vighnasura,” true to his name, “creator of obstacles,” began wreaking havoc across the world. Bhagwan Ganesha confronted and defeated him. Realising Bhagwan Ganesha's greatness, Vighnasura surrendered and asked for his protection.

Bhagwan Ganesha accepted his surrender. Vighnasura then asked for a boon: “that his name would always remain linked with Bhagwan Ganesha's.” Bhagwan Ganesha granted this wish and came to be known as Vighnaraja, the ruler of obstacles.

Another tradition, found in the “Mudgala Purana,” connects the Vighnaraja form with the defeat of “Mamtasura” (also known as Mamasura), the demon of attachment and ego in Hindu mythology.

Devotees usually begin the day with a bath and a sincere sankalp for the vrat. Many observe a fast during the day. Meanwhile, others follow a fruit-based or simple sattvic diet as per their health and family tradition.

Bhagwan Ganesha is worshipped with Durva, flowers, fruits, modak and other traditional offerings. Devotees may chant the “Om Gam Ganapataye Namah” or “Vakratunda Mahakaya Suryakoti Samaprabha, Nirvighnam Kuru Me Deva, Sarva Karyeshu Sarvada” mantra and listen to or read the “Sankashti Chaturthi vrat katha.”

The most important part of the evening observance comes after moonrise. Devotees worship Bhagwan Ganesha, offer “Chandra Arghya,” and then conclude their fast. Since this is an “Angarki Sankashti,” some devotees also give special importance to “Mangal Dev” and pray for:

• Courage

• Strength

• Determination

You can follow these simple steps to observe the vrat at home:

• Wake up early, take a bath and wear clean clothes

• Clean your home mandir and puja space

• Take a sankalp to observe the Vighnaraja Sankashti Chaturthi vrat with devotion

• Place Bhagwan Ganesha idol or picture on a clean chowki

• Offer Durva, flowers, fruits, modak and other traditional bhog

• Light a diya and offer dhoop.

• Chant “Om Gam Ganapataye Namah” with devotion

• Read or listen to the Sankashti Chaturthi vrat katha

• After moonrise, worship Bhagwan Ganesha and offer Chandra Arghya

• Perform aarti and conclude the fast

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