As the winter chill sets in, millions of Hindu devotees across India eagerly await the observance of Sakat Chauth, a powerful fast dedicated to Lord Ganesha. This sacred day, also known as Sankashti Chaturthi, Til Kuta Vrat, or Sankata Hara Chaturthi, is particularly significant for mothers who fast for the longevity, well-being, and prosperity of their children.
In 2026, Sakat Chauth is slated to be observed on **Tuesday, January 13**. The entire day is marked by intense devotion, culminating in the crucial ritual of sighting the moon. The Moonrise (Chandrodaya) marks the moment when the fast can be broken, making accurate, city-wise timings absolutely essential for devotees planning their rituals.
Sakat Chauth 2026: Why Moonrise Timings are Crucial for the Vrat
The essence of the Sakat Chauth fast is intrinsically linked to the Moon. Devotees observe a strict fast throughout the day, which can only be concluded after performing ‘Arghya’—an offering of water to the Moon God, Chandra. Because the timing of the moonrise varies significantly across different geographical locations, consulting an accurate city-wise schedule is non-negotiable for adhering to the prescribed Puja Vidhi.
A slight delay or miscalculation in observing the Chandrodaya can disrupt the sequence of the vrat, hence devotees often meticulously prepare for this specific nightly window. Failure to break the fast at the appropriate time post-Arghya is believed to dilute the spiritual benefits derived from the day-long penance.
Sakat Chauth 2026: Definitive City-wise Moonrise Timings
To help devotees across the nation plan their ceremonies, we have compiled the expected Moonrise timings for major Indian cities for the Sakat Chauth of 2026. These timings are crucial for the final phase of the Vrat and the breaking of the fast.
Expected Chandrodaya Timings on January 13, 2026
- New Delhi: Expected Moonrise at 08:45 PM
- Mumbai, Maharashtra: Expected Moonrise at 09:12 PM
- Kolkata, West Bengal: Expected Moonrise at 08:15 PM
- Chennai, Tamil Nadu: Expected Moonrise at 09:05 PM
- Bengaluru, Karnataka: Expected Moonrise at 09:18 PM
- Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh: Expected Moonrise at 08:35 PM
- Jaipur, Rajasthan: Expected Moonrise at 08:55 PM
- Patna, Bihar: Expected Moonrise at 08:22 PM
- Hyderabad, Telangana: Expected Moonrise at 09:10 PM
- Chandigarh: Expected Moonrise at 08:40 PM
(Note: These timings are predictive and may be subject to minor variations based on local astrological calculations and weather conditions. Devotees are advised to consult their local Panchang for the exact minute.)
Understanding the Shubh Muhurat and Puja Vidhi
The Sankashti Tithi for Sakat Chauth 2026 is expected to commence from the early hours of January 13 and continue until the next morning. However, the most important ritualistic period is during the evening.
The Ritual of Til Kuta
The unique offering of Sakat Chauth is ‘Til Kuta’ or ‘Til Gud’, a mixture primarily made from sesame seeds (Til) and jaggery (Gud). This special prasad is prepared during the day and offered to Lord Ganesha during the evening puja. After the moonrise and the Arghya ritual, this Til Kuta is the first item consumed by the fasting devotee, thus concluding the arduous fast.
Devotees should ensure all puja materials, including the necessary flowers, durva grass, incense, and the prepared Til Kuta, are ready well ahead of the anticipated Moonrise time to facilitate a smooth and timely conclusion to the vrat.
May this auspicious Sakat Chauth of 2026 bring immense blessings, prosperity, and joy to every family observing this powerful devotion to Lord Ganesha.
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