Every Hindu month brings two Chaturthi dates, one in the waning fortnight and one in the waxing fortnight, and both are dedicated to Lord Ganesha. The Krishna Paksha Chaturthi of the Ashadha month is observed as Krishnapingal Sankashti Chaturthi, and in 2026 this fast falls on July 3. It is believed that worshipping Ganesha with full rituals and offering arghya to the moon on this day removes every obstacle in life and helps every task reach completion without hindrance.
When the Chaturthi Tithi Begins and Ends
According to the Panchang, the Chaturthi tithi of Ashadha Krishna Paksha begins at 11:20 am on July 3, 2026, and ends at 12:39 pm on July 4, 2026. Along with Lord Ganesha, the moon holds special significance in this Sankashti fast, and the evening ritual is considered incomplete without sighting the moon. Since moonrise on July 3 falls while the Chaturthi tithi is still active in the evening, while on July 4 the tithi lasts only till afternoon, the fast that requires moon sighting will be observed on July 3.
- Moonrise on July 3 will take place at 9:53 pm.
- On the day of Sankashti Chaturthi, Bhadra will last from 5:28 am to 11:20 am, but since this is Patal Lok's Bhadra, worship can still be performed during this period without any issue.
Morning Puja Vidhi
- Wake up during Brahma Muhurat on the day of Chaturthi, take a bath, and wear clean yellow or red clothes.
- Clean the puja room and take a vow for the fast while holding water in your hand.
- Spread a red cloth on a wooden platform and face north or east while worshipping.
- Place an idol or picture of Lord Ganesha on the platform.
- Light incense and a lamp, and apply a sindoor tilak to Bappa.
- Offer 21 durva grass blades to Ganesha along with modak or laddoo as bhog.
- Keep chanting the mantra 'Om Gan Ganpataye Namah' during the puja.
Evening Sandhya Puja
- Take a bath again in the evening, or wash your hands and feet to purify yourself if that isn't possible.
- Repeat the same puja process followed in the morning.
- Read or listen to the katha of the Sankashti Chaturthi vrat.
- Perform the aarti of Lord Ganesha.
- Once the moon rises, offer arghya to it using a silver or copper vessel filled with water, milk, sandalwood and unbroken rice.
- Fold your hands and pray for the well-being and prosperity of your family.
- Finally, break the fast while remembering Lord Ganesha.
Why This Chaturthi Holds Special Importance
As per religious belief, those who observe the Krishnapingal Sankashti Chaturthi fast with complete rituals gain success in their work and prosperity in their household. Since this monthly Sankashti Chaturthi tradition places special emphasis on worshipping the moon along with Ganesha and offering arghya, the fast is considered incomplete without sighting the moon in the evening.
