Sakat Chauth, also known as Tilkut Chaturthi or Maghi Chauth, is one of the most important fasting festivals dedicated to Lord Ganesha. Mothers observe this sacred fast to pray for the safety, good health and prosperity of their children. The day is celebrated every year on the Krishna Paksha Chaturthi of the month of Magh. The fast is believed to protect children from difficulties and remove obstacles from their lives.

As we step into the new year, here’s everything you need to know about the 2026 Sakat Chauth date, timing, and religious importance.

According to the Hindu Panchang, Sakat Chauth will be observed on January 6, 2026.

• Chaturthi Tithi Begins: January 6, 2026 at 08:01 AM

• Chaturthi Tithi Ends: January 7, 2026 at 06:52 AM

The ideal time for evening worship of Lord Ganesha is:

• Shubh Puja Muhurat: 07:21 PM to 09:03 PM on January 6

During this time, devotees perform Ganesh Puja and offer special prasads made with sesame seeds and jaggery.

Sakat Chauth is considered highly auspicious among the four major Chaturthi observances celebrated across the year. It is believed that:

✔ Lord Ganesha removes obstacles from a child’s life
✔ Sanakta Mata (Goddess of relief) blesses families with protection
✔ Devotees are freed from suffering and gain mental strength
✔ Prayers offered on this day help fulfill long-pending wishes

This vrat is also associated with the Sankashti Chaturthi, where devotees seek liberation from hardships and negativity.

On this holy day, mothers wake up early for rituals and mark the day with devotion. The puja is performed after sighting the moon in the evening.

Here are the most important offerings made during the puja:

The main prasad of Sakat Chauth — Tilkut, made by grinding roasted sesame seeds (white or black) with jaggery. Offering this to Lord Ganesha is believed to bring blessings of Sun and Saturn and ensure the welfare of children.

It symbolizes nourishment and harmony. Offering sweet potato in the prasad plate helps strengthen family bonds and promotes good health.

Including these seasonal fruits in the puja thali is believed to protect children from problems and support their growth and success.

Lord Ganesha’s most beloved sweet. As per the mantra “Modakpriyam Mangaldāyakām”, offering modak brings positive energy, auspicious results, and happiness in life.

Mothers practicing the Sakat Chauth vrat do so with a heartfelt prayer:

“May my child stay protected from troubles and grow into a prosperous and joyful life.”

The vrat is concluded the next morning after prayers, offering water (arghya) to the moon and breaking the fast with prasad.

This festival carries immense cultural and religious value. However, devotees are encouraged to consult local calendars or priests for exact timings based on their location.