Lambodara Sankashti Chaturthi (Sakad Chauth)
लम्बोदर संकष्टी चतुर्थी (सकट चौथ)
Celebrated across North India as Sakad Chauth / Tilakuta Chauth, and coinciding with Tuesday to form the highly auspicious ANGARKI CHATURTHI. Mothers fast for the longevity, health, and prosperity of their children.
Exact Moon Sighting Time for Fast Breaking
* Note: If clouds obscure direct visibility, devotees should offer Arghya facing the eastern sky at the designated timing.
Lambodara Maha Peetha
ॐ गं गणपतये नमः। वक्रतुण्ड महाकाय सूर्यकोटि समप्रभ। निर्विघ्नं कुरु मे देव सर्वकार्येषु सर्वदा॥
Oṁ gaṃ gaṇapataye namaḥ | Vakratuṇḍa mahākāya sūryakoṭi samaprabha | Nirvighnaṃ kuru me deva sarvakāryeṣu sarvadā ||
“Om, salutations to Lord Ganapati. O Lord with curved trunk and immense form, whose brilliance rivals ten million suns! Make all my undertakings free of obstacles always.”
Pauranic Vrat Katha & Sacred Origin
The story of Sakad Chauth describes an impoverished potter whose kiln failed to bake clay vessels. Advised by a royal priest, an old mother gave her only son to be spared through Ganesha's grace. She gave the child a betel nut and sacred Ganesha thread, praying fervently on Sankashti Chaturthi. When the kiln was opened the next morning, the clay was perfectly baked, and her child sat alive in the center unburnt. Since then, mothers observe this fast with sesame seeds and jaggery (tilkut) offerings.
Step-by-Step Puja & Moon Arghya Vidhi
- 1Take a purifying morning bath and declare your Sankalpa for Lord Ganesha's grace and children's welfare.
- 2Offer 21 unbroken blades of Durva grass, red flowers, and Modak or Tilkut (sesame-jaggery sweets) to Lord Ganesha.
- 3Fast strictly through the day without grain or salt consumption.
- 4At night, after moonrise (approx. 08:52 PM to 09:18 PM), offer Arghya to Chandradeva (the Moon God) using water, raw milk, and white flowers, then break the fast.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Moonrise time for Sakad Chauth on January 6, 2026?
The moon rises at approximately 08:52 PM in Delhi, 09:18 PM in Mumbai, 09:05 PM in Bengaluru, and 08:14 PM in Kolkata on January 6, 2026.
Why is January 6, 2026 called Angarki Chaturthi?
Because it falls on a Tuesday (Mangalwar). Sankashti Chaturthi falling on a Tuesday is called Angarki Chaturthi, named after Sage Angaraka (planet Mars) who performed intense penance to Lord Ganesha and was granted the boon that Tuesday Chaturthis would remove all distress.