The Sashti Tithi of Kartik Krishna Paksha falling on Saturday, 31 October 2026, brings together an auspicious astronomical and spiritual alignment for devotees observing the holy Skanda Sashti fast. According to the traditional Hindu calendar, the Sashti Tithi will remain active until 4:58 PM on 31 October. The day is also marked by the auspicious Siddha Yoga, which continues until 5:32 PM, while the Punarvasu Nakshatra will prevail throughout the entire day and night, concluding the next morning at 5:40 AM.
Key Panchang Coordinates for 31 October 2026
The core astronomical components defining this Saturday include the following planetary timings
- Kartik Krishna Sashti Tithi: Active until 04:58 PM on 31 October.
- Siddha Yoga: Effective until 05:32 PM on 31 October.
- Punarvasu Nakshatra: Spans throughout the day and night, ending at 05:40 AM the next morning.
- Special Observance: Skanda Sashti Vrat.
- Solar Timings: Sunrise is timed at 06:38 AM, followed by sunset at 06:06 PM.
Auspicious Hours and Sacred Muhurats
Performing religious ceremonies, initiating prayers, or carrying out significant spiritual activities is traditionally aligned with specific segments of the day. The auspicious muhurats scheduled for Saturday are as follows
- Brahma Muhurat: 04:58 AM to 05:48 AM
- Pratah Sandhya: 05:23 AM to 06:38 AM
- Abhijit Muhurat: 11:59 AM to 12:45 PM
- Vijaya Muhurat: 02:16 PM to 03:02 PM
- Godhuli Muhurat: 06:06 PM to 06:31 PM
- Sayahna Sandhya: 06:06 PM to 07:21 PM
City-Wise Rahukaal Timings Across India
Astrological practices advise abstaining from commencing novel, auspicious ventures during the span of Rahukaal. Because Rahukaal depends upon local sunrise and sunset timings, its duration varies slightly across different major cities
- Delhi: 09:19 AM to 10:42 AM
- Mumbai: 09:30 AM to 10:56 AM
- Chandigarh: 09:22 AM to 10:44 AM
- Lucknow: 09:03 AM to 10:26 AM
- Bhopal: 09:14 AM to 10:39 AM
- Kolkata: 08:30 AM to 09:55 AM
- Ahmedabad: 09:33 AM to 10:58 AM
- Chennai: 08:58 AM to 10:25 AM
Spiritual Significance and Rituals of Skanda Sashti
Skanda Sashti is also traditionally referred to as Kumar Sashti and Santana Sashti. On this sacred occasion, grand worship and special rituals dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are conducted across temples. Devotees establish an altar or idol of Lord Skanda Kartikeya, offering dedicated prayers accompanied by the lighting of an uninterrupted flame, known as the Akhand Deepak.
Religious belief holds that observing this fast with strict devotion blesses parents with worthy and virtuous progeny. In situations where children suffer from lingering illnesses or physical discomforts, observing the Skanda Sashti vows is believed to shield them from hardships and restore their well-being. Furthermore, sacred traditions note that Goddess Skandamata is profoundly pleased by the sincere worship of Lord Kumar Kartikeya, showering grace that equals or exceeds the blessings granted through her own direct reverence.
