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 2026Sankashti Chaturthi
- 4 Feb 2026Sankashti Chaturthi
- 6 Mar 2026Sankashti Chaturthi
- 5 Apr 2026Sankashti Chaturthi
- 4 May 2026Sankashti Chaturthi
- 3 Jun 2026Sankashti Chaturthi
- 3 Jul 2026Sankashti Chaturthi
- 1 Aug 2026Sankashti Chaturthi
- 30 Aug 2026Sankashti Chaturthi
- 29 Sep 2026Sankashti Chaturthi
- 28 Oct 2026Sankashti Chaturthi
- 27 Nov 2026Sankashti Chaturthi
- 26 Dec 2026Sankashti Chaturthi
- 24 Jan 2027Sankashti Chaturthi
- 23 Feb 2027Sankashti Chaturthi
- 25 Mar 2027Sankashti Chaturthi
- 23 Apr 2027Sankashti Chaturthi
- 23 May 2027Sankashti Chaturthi
- 22 Jun 2027Sankashti Chaturthi
- 21 Jul 2027Sankashti Chaturthi
- 20 Aug 2027Sankashti Chaturthi
- 18 Sep 2027Sankashti Chaturthi
- 18 Oct 2027Sankashti Chaturthi
- 16 Nov 2027Sankashti Chaturthi
- 16 Dec 2027Sankashti Chaturthi
- 14 Jan 2028Sankashti Chaturthi
- 12 Feb 2028Sankashti Chaturthi
- 13 Mar 2028Sankashti Chaturthi
- 11 Apr 2028Sankashti Chaturthi
- 11 May 2028Sankashti Chaturthi
- 10 Jun 2028Sankashti Chaturthi
- 9 Jul 2028Sankashti Chaturthi
- 8 Aug 2028Sankashti Chaturthi
- 7 Sep 2028Sankashti Chaturthi
- 6 Oct 2028Sankashti Chaturthi
- 5 Nov 2028Sankashti Chaturthi
- 4 Dec 2028Sankashti Chaturthi
Request a pooja
Ask Sri Kumar Gurukkal about a pooja for this observance — at your home, at a temple, or with family joining remotely. A request is an enquiry, not a booking.
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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. The 2028 dates are computed by this site’s own engine from one rule for the whole observance, tested against every 2026–27 date. No 2028 date has been checked against a printed almanac or reviewed by Sri Kumar Gurukkal. Fasting rules and exact windows differ by lineage — please confirm with Sri Kumar Gurukkal or your family priest. How these dates are calculated →