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Recurring observance · San Francisco Bay Area
Sankaṣṭī Caturthī
Why it matters
A Ganesha vrata observed on Krishna Paksha Chaturthi for relief from difficulties, wisdom and family well-being. Ganesha is revered as the remover of obstacles and patron of auspicious beginnings, wisdom and discernment.
The story behind it
Each monthly Sankashti has a traditional story; the fast is normally completed after sighting or worship of the Moon and offering prayers to Ganesha.
Prayers and worship
Devotees commonly offer a simple Ganesha pooja, chant “Om Gam Ganapataye Namah,” recite Ganesha Atharvashirsha or Sankashtanashana Stotra, and perform arati.
Fasting and devotional customs
Devotees often fast during the day and break the fast after moonrise and Ganesha pooja; rules vary from fruit-only to more rigorous fasting.
What is typically offered
Durva grass, red flowers, coconut, bananas and modak or other sweets are common offerings.
Visiting a temple that day
Moonrise timing is location-specific, so Northern California observance dates can differ from India. Temple practices vary by region and sampradaya. Dress modestly, remove footwear where required, follow priest/volunteer directions, ask before photography, and check the temple’s event page for exact pooja, fasting and prasādam arrangements.
Spiritual themes
Beginnings, wisdom, humility and removal of obstacles.
Every Sankaṣṭī Caturthī date, 2026–2027
Bay Area dates
- 5 Jan 2026Lambodara Sankashti
- 4 Feb 2026Dwijapriya Sankashti
- 6 Mar 2026Bhalachandra Sankashti
- 5 Apr 2026Vikata Sankashti
- 4 May 2026Ekadanta Sankashti
- 3 Jun 2026Vibhuvana Sankashti
- 3 Jul 2026Krishnapingala Sankashti
- 1 Aug 2026Gajanana Sankashti
- 30 Aug 2026Heramba Sankashtinext
- 29 Sep 2026Vighnaraja Sankashti
- 28 Oct 2026Vakratunda Sankashti
- 27 Nov 2026Ganadhipa Sankashti
- 26 Dec 2026Akhuratha Sankashti
- 24 Jan 2027Lambodara Sankashti
- 23 Feb 2027Dwijapriya Sankashti
- 25 Mar 2027Bhalachandra Sankashti
- 23 Apr 2027Vikata Sankashti
- 23 May 2027Ekadanta Sankashti
- 22 Jun 2027Krishnapingala Sankashti
- 21 Jul 2027Gajanana Sankashti
- 20 Aug 2027Heramba Sankashti
- 18 Sep 2027Vighnaraja Sankashti
- 18 Oct 2027Vakratunda Sankashti
- 16 Nov 2027Ganadhipa Sankashti
- 16 Dec 2027Akhuratha Sankashti
Request a pooja
Sri Kumar Gurukkal can perform the associated pooja at your home, at a temple, or with family joining remotely.
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Subscribe to Sankaṣṭī Caturthī Download .icsThese are recurring observances whose dates follow the tithi at a particular moment of the day (sunrise, sunset, moonrise or midnight), computed for the Fremont / Bay Area location. Fasting rules and exact windows differ by lineage — please confirm with Sri Kumar Gurukkal or your family priest. How these dates are calculated →