Sakat Chauth 2026

Sakat Chauth, also known as Sankashti Chaturthi or Tilkuta Chauth, is a very popular Hindu fast observed for the wellbeing and long life of children. Dedicated to Lord Ganesha and Goddess Sakat, this vrat is especially important for mothers who pray for the protection, health, and prosperity of their children. In many regions, this vrat is also called Maghi Chauth, as it usually falls in the month of Magh. In 2026, Sakat Chauth will be observed on: Sakat Chauth 2026 Date: Wednesday, December 5, 2026 Moonrise Time: 09:20 PM Chaturthi Tithi Begins: 06:16 AM on December 5, 2026 Chaturthi Tithi Ends: 03:06 AM on December 6, 2026 Devotees break the fast only after seeing and offering prayers to the moon, which rises at 9:20 PM on Sakat Chauth day. This complete guide covers everything you need to know about Sakat Chauth 2026—its significance, who should observe it, detailed puja vidhi, katha, rules, allowed foods, benefits, and frequently asked questions.

Sakat Chauth is an auspicious Hindu fast observed on the Krishna Paksha Chaturthi of the month of Magh (according to the Purnimant calendar). The word “Sakat” refers to hardships and difficulties, and “Chauth” refers to the fourth day of the lunar phase. The vrat is kept mainly to remove obstacles, protect children from harm, and ensure their long, healthy, and prosperous life. This vrat is deeply connected to: Lord Ganesha – remover of obstacles, symbol of intelligence and auspicious beginnings

Goddess Sakat Mata – the divine protector of children

Women observe this vrat with devotion, praying for safety, strength, and blessings for their children.

1. Connection with Lord Ganesha Lord Ganesha is worshipped as: The remover of obstacles (Vighna Vinayaka) The giver of wisdom The protector of families and children On Sakat Chauth, devotees pray to Ganesha to eliminate difficulties and bless their children.

2. Connection with Goddess Sakat Goddess Sakat is believed to: Protect children from diseases, accidents, and misfortune Grant strength and courage Remove sorrows from the lives of mother. This makes the vrat especially important for households with young children.

Although anyone can observe this vrat, it is particularly meaningful for:

1. Mothers of Young Children They observe this vrat for: Child’s good health Long life Protection from accidents, diseases, or bad energies

2. Expecting Mothers Some women observe it for a safe pregnancy and protection of the unborn child (depending on family tradition).

3. Families Facing Frequent Problems Sakat Chauth is believed to reduce negative effects and remove ongoing obstacles.

4. Anyone Seeking Blessings from Lord Ganesha Students, professionals, and those wishing for success also perform this vrat for good fortune.

Sakat Chauth is considered a powerful and protective vrata. It is believed that observing this fast with full devotion brings:

1. Protection of Children This vrat is mainly dedicated to ensuring: The safety of children Their health and happiness Protection from diseases and sudden dangers

2. Relief from Obstacles “Sakat” means sorrow or problems. Devotees fast to remove: Financial difficulties Family disputes Health issues Mental burdens

3. Blessings of Lord Ganesha Ganesha’s blessings bring: Wisdom Success in studies Strength to overcome challenges

4. Fulfillment of Wishes Many mothers believe that sincere prayer on Sakat Chauth fulfills long-pending wishes related to their children’s wellbeing.

5. Spiritual Purification Fasting helps in developing: Discipline Faith Inner strength Mental clarity

Observing Sakat Chauth is believed to bring various spiritual and practical benefits:

1. Health & Protection for Children The primary benefit of this vrat is safeguarding children from physical harm and illness.
2. Removal of Obstacles Both parents and children receive divine protection from difficulties and negative influences.
3. Long Life & Prosperity The vrat is considered powerful for improving life span and overall wellbeing.
4. Peace & Prosperity in Family Harmony and good fortune increase through divine blessings.
5. Mental Strength & Inner Peace Fasting promotes patience and spiritual growth.
6. Divine Blessings of Lord Ganesha It increases intelligence, focus, and positivity in children.

Below is the complete and simple method to perform the puja on Sakat Chauth 2026. Step 1: Morning Preparations Wake up early before sunrise. Take a holy bath and wear clean clothes. Clean the puja area and decorate it with rangoli. Place a small wooden platform for the deity.

Step 2: Setting Up the Puja Arrange the following items: Idol or picture of Lord Ganesha Kalash filled with water Diya, incense, camphor Til (sesame seeds) Sugarcane Durva grass (Ganesha’s favourite) Fruits, sweets, especially tilkut Wheat grains and lamps made from wheat dough Roli, rice, turmeric, sandalwood Offerings for the moon (water, milk, til)

Step 3: Sankalp (Taking the Vow) Sit in front of the deity, close your eyes, and take a vow: “I am observing this fast for the wellbeing, long life, and happiness of my children. May Lord Ganesha and Goddess Sakat remove all obstacles and bless them.”

Step 4: Worshipping Lord Ganesha Light the diya and incense. Offer flowers and durva grass. Apply roli and rice to the idol. Offer sweets, tilkut, and fruits. Recite Ganesha mantras or bhajans: “Om Gan Ganapataye Namah” Read or listen to the Sakat Chauth Vrat Katha.

Step 5: Fasting Rules Devotees observe a strict fast throughout the day. You may choose: Nirjala fast (no water) – optional Jal se fast (water allowed) Phalahar (fruits and milk)

Most women eat til-based foods after moonrise. Step 6: Evening Puja & Moonrise Ritual The most important part of Sakat Chauth happens at night when the moon rises at 09:20 PM. During moonrise: Offer water, milk, and til to the moon. Say a prayer for your child’s health. Offer arghya (water offering) slowly while looking at the moon.

Pray: “O Moon God, bless my children with strength, health, and protection.”

Step 7: Parana (Breaking the Fast) After offering arghya to the moon: Break the fast with tilkut, sweets, or simple satvik food. Some women eat roti made of wheat and jaggery. Charity is optional but recommended: Donate food Feed cows Offer grains to birds Sakat Chauth Vrat Katha The Sakat Chauth story tells the tale of a poor woman who had several sons, but her youngest was weak and often ill. She prayed with deep devotion to Goddess Sakat on the day of Chaturthi. Despite difficulties, she continued to observe the vrat every year. One day, the goddess was pleased with her sincere devotion and blessed her child with: Health Long life Strength Protection from all harm The boy grew strong and prosperous, and the family’s suffering ended.

Moral of the Katha Devotion and faith can remove even the toughest problems. Those who perform Sakat Chauth with purity and love receive divine protection for their children.

Do’s Maintain purity of mind and home. Observe the fast with discipline. Worship Ganesha with durva grass. Offer til-based food items. Break the fast only after moonrise.

Don’ts Avoid anger, fights, or negative behavior. Do not eat onion, garlic, or non-veg foods. Avoid alcohol or addictive substances. Do not break the fast before moonrise.

Allowed Milk, curd Fruits Groundnut, coconut Til-based items (tilkut, ladoo) Rock salt Simple satvik food after moonrise

Not Allowed Grains (for strict vrat observers) Onion, garlic Non-veg food Spicy or heavy meals Packaged/junk food

After breaking the fast: Feed cows or offer grains to birds. Donate food to the needy. Give til and jaggery to women or children. Express gratitude to Lord Ganesha and Goddess Sakat. These actions increase the positive results of the vrat.

Sakat Chauth is one of the most powerful and meaningful vrats dedicated to the welfare of children. In 2026, with Sakat Chauth falling on Wednesday, December 5, and the moon rising at 9:20 PM, devotees can observe this sacred day with deep devotion and faith. The vrat brings: Protection from obstacles Good health Long life Prosperity Peace in the family

Whether you keep this vrat every year or are planning to begin it in 2026, Sakat Chauth offers divine blessings that strengthen the bond between a mother and her children. Observing it with devotion ensures joy, safety, and success in the family for years to come.

Why is Sakat Chauth observed? For the protection and wellbeing of children and for removing obstacles. Can unmarried women observe this vrat? Yes, anyone may observe it to seek blessings from Lord Ganesha. What is the most important part of the vrat? Offering arghya to the moon at 9:20 PM on December 5, 2026. Is it compulsory to fast without food? No, you can observe a fruit fast or consume simple satvik items. What if someone cannot see the moon due to weather? They can offer arghya in the direction where the moon is expected to rise.