Vasudeva Chaturthi
festivalsAlso known as: Sankat Chaturthi, Samkata 4, Varada Chaturthi, Varada(Til) 4, Vasudeva Chaturthi
Quick Overview
- Date in 2026
- Saturday, March 21, 2026
- Tithi
- Chaitra Shukla Chaturthi (Purnimanta)
- Tithi begins / ends
- 11:57 PM, Mar 21 to 09:17 PM, Mar 22
- Lunar month
- Chaitra · Shukla Paksha
- Also on this tithi
- Kushmanda Puja
Vasudeva Chaturthi
Saturday, March 21, 2026
Lunar Month: Chaitra
Vasudeva Chaturthi at a Glance
Vasudeva Chaturthi is fixed by the lunar calendar to Chaitra Shukla Chaturthi, the 4th tithi of the waxing (Shukla) fortnight of Chaitra.
- Tithi rule
- Chaitra Shukla Chaturthi (Purnimanta)Shukla ChaturthiChaitra month
- Tithi swami and group
- Ganesha · Rikta Tithi
- Also on this tithi
- Kushmanda Puja
Panchanga on This Day
Vasudeva Chaturthi · Mar 21, 2026
About Vasudeva Chaturthi
Sakat Chauth, also called Sankat Chaturthi, Varada Chaturthi, or Vasudeva Chaturthi, is a monthly and annual fasting day dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. It falls on the Chaturthi (fourth day) of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Magha (January—February), and is especially observed by mothers for the health and long life of their children.
The word 'Sakat' signifies difficulties or obstacles, and 'Sankat' means troubles. By observing this fast, devotees believe that Lord Ganesha removes hardships from family life, blesses children, and grants success in new ventures.
On this day, women gather to worship the moon in the evening and listen to the Sakat Chauth Katha. The festival has strong roots in North Indian traditions and is closely associated with the veneration of Ganesha as Vighnaharta.
Vrat Vidhi & Fasting Rules
Mothers fast from sunrise to moonrise and break their fast after sighting the moon and offering arghya.
- Rise early, bathe, and make a sankalpa to observe the Sakat Chauth fast for the welfare of your children and family.
- Abstain from food and water throughout the day; if a full fast is not possible, take only fruits or milk.
- In the evening, prepare a small altar for Lord Ganesha with an image or idol, Durva grass, modaks, and laddus.
- Worship the moon as it rises, offering arghya (water mixed with akshata and flowers) to Chandra Deva.
- Recite the Sakat Chauth Katha and Ganesha stotras, and break the fast after the moon is sighted and prasad is distributed.
- Avoid negativity, anger, and gossip; maintain a peaceful and prayerful atmosphere.
Puja Samagri & Ritual Steps
- Place Ganesha on the altar and invoke his presence.
- Offer Durva grass, red flowers, and modaks.
- Apply tilak and perform arati.
- Recite 'Om Gam Ganapataye Namah' 108 times.
- Offer arghya to the moon in the evening.
- Break the fast with prasad.
Vrat Katha: The Devotee and the Lion
A poor old woman had only a son and lived by the grace of her cow. One day, her son set out to cut grass for the cow and entered a field where a fierce lion dwelled. As the boy did not return by evening, the mother prayed earnestly to Lord Ganesha.
Moved by her devotion, Ganesha appeared, subdued the lion, and returned the boy safely to his mother. The old woman celebrated by preparing modaks and offered them to the Lord. From that day, mothers observe Sakat Chauth to seek Ganesha's protection for their children.
Vasudeva Chaturthi: Frequently Asked Questions
Chaitra Shukla Chaturthi; its swami is Ganesha, a Rikta Tithi.
Shukla Chaturthi: 11:57 PM, Sat, Mar 21, 2026 to 09:17 PM, Sun, Mar 22, 2026 (IST).
Chaitra Shukla Chaturthi: 01:32 AM, Sat, Apr 10, 2027 to 11:40 PM, Sat, Apr 10, 2027 (IST).
Kushmanda Puja, also on Chaitra Shukla Chaturthi.
It is primarily observed by mothers, but anyone may observe the fast for obstacle removal and family welfare.
The fast is broken after moonrise, following Ganesha puja and offering arghya to the moon.
Modaks, laddus, Durva grass, and red flowers are the traditional offerings.
Festivals in the Same Lunar Month
Chaitra
Note: times are shown with their date; a Panchang day runs from sunrise to sunrise.
Recommended Pages
Comprehensive annual Hindu calendar with tithis and festivals.
Detailed month-wise view of lunar tithis and celestial events.
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Gujarati Vikram Samvat calendar and festivals.
Telugu calendar and festive Panchangam details.
Tamil solar calendar dates and monthly Panchangam.