Why Mothers Still Keep This Fast: The Sacred Story of Sakat Chauth

Sakat Chauth 2026: Learn the powerful vrat katha and why Indian mothers observe it, puja muhurat, moonrise rule, and complete rituals.

Sakat Chauth is one of the most sacred fasts dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and the giver of wisdom. Every year, devotees across India observe this vrat with deep faith, especially mothers who pray for the long life and protection of their children.

In 2026, many people are confused about the correct date of Sakat Chauth. Some calendars show 6 January, while others mention 7 January. This confusion is natural because Hindu festivals are based on lunar calculations.

Sakat Chauth 2026 Date: Is It on 6th or 7th January?

In 2026, the Magh Krishna Paksha Chaturthi Tithi begins on Tuesday, 6 January, and end on Wednesday, 7 January.

According to the SanatangyanPanchang:

• Chaturthi Tithi starts at 8:01 AM on Tuesday, 6 January 2026

• Chaturthi Tithi ends at 6:52 AM on Wednesday, 7 January 2026

Normally, Hindu fasts are observed according to Udaya Tithi, which means the tithi present at sunrise. But Sakat Chauth follows a different and very important rule.

For Sakat Chauth, moonrise during Chaturthi Tithi is considered more important than sunrise. This is because the fast is broken only after offering water to the moon. In 2026, the moonrise happens on 6 January, and it occurs when Chaturthi Tithi is still present. Because of this reason, Sakat Chauth will be observed on Tuesday.

This day becomes even more special because it falls on a Tuesday. When Sankashti Chaturthi comes on a Tuesday, it is known as Angarki Sakat Chauth, which is believed to be extremely powerful. Devotees say that prayers offered on Angarki Chauth reach Lord Ganesha very quickly.

Spiritual Meaning and Importance of Sakat Chauth

The word Sankashti means freedom from troubles. This vrat is observed to remove obstacles, fear, sorrow, and negativity from life. Lord Ganesha is the first deity worshipped in Hindu tradition. He represents wisdom, patience, and new beginnings. That is why his worship on Sakat Chauth is considered very fruitful.

There is a famous Sanskrit shloka that reminds us of Lord Ganesha’s power:

“वक्रतुण्ड महाकाय सूर्यकोटि समप्रभ।

निर्विघ्नं कुरु मे देव सर्वकार्येषु सर्वदा॥”

This shloka means, “O Lord Ganesha, you are large and radiant like millions of suns. Please remove all obstacles from my life and bless all my actions.” On Sakat Chauth, devotees chant this shloka with full devotion, believing that Lord Ganesha listens to sincere prayers.

The Sakat Chauth of Magh month is considered the most important among all Sankashti Chaturthis. Spiritually, this fast teaches patience, discipline, and faith. It reminds us that difficulties are part of life, but devotion gives us the strength to overcome them.

Sakat Chauth 2026 Puja Time and Auspicious Muhurat

On Sakat Chauth 2026, devotees wake up early and take a holy bath. The best time to begin the day is Brahma Muhurat, which falls between 5:26 AM and 6:21 AM. This time is considered very pure for prayer and taking the vow of fasting.

The most auspicious time to worship Lord Ganesha is the Ganesha Puja Muhurat, which is from 9:51 AM to 1:45 PM. During this period, devotees offer durva grass, red flowers, modaks, and til laddoos to Lord Ganesha.

 Another powerful time is Abhijit Muhurat, from 12:06 PM to 12:48 PM, which is believed to bring success and peace.

Devotees should avoid worship during Bhadra Kaal from 7:15 AM to 8:01 AM, and Rahukaal from 3:03 PM to 4:21 PM, as these times are not considered favourable for religious activities.

Sakat Chauth Vrat Katha: The Sacred Story Behind the Fast

The vrat katha of Sakat Chauth is deeply touching and full of spiritual meaning. Long ago, there lived a poor woman who had a young son. Her life was full of struggle, but her faith in Lord Ganesha was very strong. She observed the Sakat Chauth fast every year with full devotion, even when she had very little food.

One year, on Sakat Chauth, she kept a strict fast from morning till moonrise. In the evening, a saint came to her house asking for food. The woman had nothing except a small portion of food she had kept for offering to Lord Ganesha. Still, she gave that food to the saint without hesitation.

The saint blessed her and disappeared. In truth, he was Lord Ganesha himself, testing her faith. Pleased with her devotion and sacrifice, Lord Ganesha blessed her son with long life and removed all her troubles. From that day, her life slowly became peaceful and stable.

This story teaches us that true devotion does not depend on wealth. It depends on a pure heart and selfless faith.

Rituals and Fasting Rules of Sakat Chauth

The Sakat Chauth fast is observed from sunrise till moonrise. Many devotees keep a strict fast without food and water. Some devotees consume fruits or simple vrat food like sabudana, peanuts, or boiled potatoes. Grains, onions, garlic, and normal salt are avoided.

During the day, devotees worship Lord Ganesha and read the vrat katha. In the evening, they wait patiently for moonrise. After seeing the moon, they offer water to Chandra Dev and pray for peace and forgiveness. Only after this ritual is the fast broken.

Another beautiful Sanskrit shloka often chanted on this day is:

“गणानां त्वा गणपतिं हवामहे

कविं कवीनामुपमश्रवस्तमम्।”

This shloka praises Lord Ganesha as the leader of all divine forces and the wisest among the wise.

Conclusion: The True Message of Sakat Chauth

Sakat Chauth 2026 will be observed on Tuesday, 6 January, and it is a rare Angarki Sakat Chauth. This makes the day highly auspicious and spiritually powerful. The fast is not just about staying hungry. It is about controlling the mind, strengthening faith, and surrendering worries to Lord Ganesha.

Sakat Chauth reminds us that when devotion is true and the heart is pure, even the biggest obstacles can be removed. Lord Ganesha always protects those who remember him with faith.

May Lord Ganesha bless everyone with wisdom, peace, and a life free from obstacles.