Bhalachandra Sankashti Chaturthi 2026: Date, moon rise time, puja rituals and significance

Sankashti is an extremely auspicious day, which is dedicated to Lord Ganesha. On this sacred day, devotees observe fast from dawn to dusk and offer their sincere prayers to lord Ganpati and after worshipping the Lord in the evening after offering ater to Moon god, devotees break their fast. There are two Chaturthi observances in a month during Shukla Paksha and Krishna Paksha. Sankashti Chaturthi falls during Krishna Paksha. This month, Bhalachandra Sankashti Chaturthi is being observed on Chaturthi tithi of krishna paksha in the month of phalguna i.e., on March 6, 2026.

Bhalachandra Sankashti Chaturthi 2026: Date and Time

Chaturthi Tithi Begins - March 6, 2026 - 05:53 PM

Chaturthi Tithi Ends - March 7, 2026 - 07:17 PM

Moonrise on Sankashti Day - March 6, 2026 - 09:14 PM

Bhalachandra Sankashti Chaturthi 2026: Significance

Sankashti Chaturthi is one of the most auspicious days in Hinduism. The day is purely dedicated to worship Lord Ganesha. According to Hindu scriptures, Lord Ganesha is the first worshipped God and without worshipping him, no auspicious work can be done. One has to take his permission first, invite him first in the wedding, engagement, seek his blessings before starting any auspicious work or event. He is the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati and he is called as the remover of all the obstacles. The form of Lord Ganesha, who is depicted with a beautiful moon on his brow, which denotes divine grace, purity, and good fortune, is associated with the name Bhalachandra. By fasting, praying, and performing rituals, one should seek divine blessings for success, prosperity, and tranquility, the day is seen to be extremely auspicious for worshiping Lord Ganesha. According to Hindu astrology, the waning moon is associated with the removal of negativity and past karma. As Bhalachandra Sankashti Chaturthi coincides with the day of the waning moon, it is considered an ideal time to invoke divine blessings and purify one’s soul.

Bhalachandra Sankashti Chaturthi 2026: Puja Rituals

1. Wake up early in the morning before taking a holy bath.

2. Clean the home and puja room.

3. Take a wooden plank and place an idol of Lord Ganesha.

4. Light a diya with desi ghee and adorn the idol of with garland.

5. You should invoke the idol by chanting few Ganesha mantras.

6. Offer five laddoos, durva grass and meetha paan to Lord Ganesha.

7. Recite a tale of Lord Ganesha.

8. Recite the aarti of Lord Ganesha to conclude the puja.

9. Offer arghya or water to Moon god to break your fast and have sattik food.

Mantra

1. Om Gan Ganpataye Namah..!!

2. Om Vakratunda Mahakaye Suryakoti Samaprabha Nirvighnam Kurumaye Dev Sarva Karyeshu Sarvada Gajananam Bhoot Ganadhi Sevitam