Gajanana Sankashti Chaturthi 2026 is one of the most sacred Sankashti fasting days dedicated to Lord Ganesha. Devotees observe a strict fast, worship Lord Gajanana, listen to the Gajanana Sankashti Vrat Katha, and break the fast only after sighting the Moon. It is believed that worshipping Lord Gajanana on this auspicious day removes obstacles, fulfills wishes, brings prosperity, and protects devotees from difficulties.
In 2026, Gajanana Sankashti Chaturthi falls on Sunday, 2 August 2026. The day is observed during the Krishna Paksha Chaturthi of the Ashadha month according to the Amanta calendar.
Gajanana Sankashti Chaturthi 2026 Date and Timings
| Event | Date & Time |
|---|---|
| Festival | Sunday, 2 August 2026 |
| Chaturthi Tithi Begins | 11:07 PM on 1 August 2026 |
| Chaturthi Tithi Ends | 11:15 PM on 2 August 2026 |
| Moonrise on Sankashti Day | 9:39 PM |
| Location | Pune, Maharashtra |
Note: All timings are according to Pune, India. Timings may vary slightly depending on your city.
What is Gajanana Sankashti Chaturthi?
Gajanana Sankashti Chaturthi is the Sankashti observed during the Krishna Paksha Chaturthi of the Ashadha month. On this day, Lord Ganesha is worshipped in His Gajanana form, one of the revered Ashta Vinayaka manifestations.
The word Gajanana comes from:
- Gaja = Elephant
- Anana = Face
Thus, Gajanana means “The One with the Face of an Elephant.”
Devotees believe that worshipping Lord Gajanana removes obstacles, grants intelligence, brings success, and protects families from negative influences.
Gajanana Sankashti Chaturthi Story (Vrat Katha)
According to the Mudgala Purana, a powerful demon named Lobhasura spread fear and suffering across the three worlds. His greed and cruelty disturbed sages, devotees, and even the gods.
Unable to defeat Lobhasura, the gods prayed sincerely to Lord Ganesha with complete devotion. Pleased with their prayers, Lord Ganesha manifested in His divine Gajanana form.
Mounted with divine power and wisdom, Lord Gajanana challenged Lobhasura in battle. Despite the demon’s immense strength, Lord Gajanana defeated him and freed the world from oppression. Peace and righteousness were restored once again.
This sacred story teaches that:
- Greed eventually leads to destruction.
- Faith in Lord Ganesha removes obstacles.
- Truth always triumphs over evil.
- Devotion and humility attract divine blessings.
Listening to or reading the Gajanana Sankashti Story during the fast is considered highly auspicious.
Importance of Gajanana Sankashti Chaturthi
This Sankashti is believed to be especially beneficial for devotees seeking:
- Success in career and education
- Relief from financial troubles
- Peace in family life
- Removal of obstacles
- Good health
- Wisdom and intelligence
- Victory over enemies
- Fulfillment of sincere wishes
Many devotees also visit Ganesh temples and offer Durva grass, Modak, red flowers, coconut, and jaggery.
Gajanana Sankashti Vrat Vidhi
Devotees generally follow these traditional rituals:
Early Morning Bath
Wake up before sunrise and take a holy bath.
Take the Vrat Sankalp
Offer prayers and take a vow to observe the Sankashti fast with devotion.
Worship Lord Ganesha
Offer:
- Durva grass
- Red flowers
- Modak
- Coconut
- Fruits
- Incense
- Lamp (Diya)
Chant Ganesh Mantras
Popular chants include:
- Om Gan Ganapataye Namah
- Ganesh Atharvashirsha
- Sankashta Nashana Ganapati Stotram
Read the Vrat Katha
Reading or listening to the Gajanana Sankashti Vrat Katha is considered an important part of the observance.
Moon Worship
After the Moon rises, devotees:
- Offer Arghya to the Moon.
- Pray to Lord Ganesha.
- Break the fast only after completing Moon worship.
Gajanana Sankashti Puja Samagri
Prepare the following items before the puja:
- Lord Ganesha idol or picture
- Durva grass
- Red flowers
- Kumkum
- Akshat (Rice)
- Sandalwood paste
- Coconut
- Modak
- Fruits
- Betel leaves
- Betel nuts
- Incense sticks
- Ghee lamp
- Camphor
Sankashti Chaturthi This Month
If August 2026 is the current month, then the Sankashti Chaturthi this month is:
Gajanana Sankashti Chaturthi
- Date: Sunday, 2 August 2026
- Moonrise: 9:39 PM
- Fasting ends after Moon worship.
If you are reading this page during another month, refer to the complete Sankashti Chaturthi 2026 list to find the current month’s observance.
Today Sankashti Chaturthi Time 2026
For Gajanana Sankashti 2026 (Pune):
- Date: Sunday, 2 August 2026
- Moonrise: 9:39 PM
- Chaturthi Begins: 11:07 PM (1 August)
- Chaturthi Ends: 11:15 PM (2 August)
Always check local Panchang timings for your city, as Moonrise can differ by location.
Benefits of Observing Gajanana Sankashti Fast
According to Hindu beliefs, observing this vrat with sincerity may bring:
- Removal of obstacles
- Success in important work
- Mental peace
- Better concentration
- Prosperity
- Family harmony
- Protection from negative influences
- Blessings of Lord Ganesha
Frequently Asked Questions
Gajanana Sankashti Chaturthi will be observed on Sunday, 2 August 2026.
The Moonrise time in Pune is 9:39 PM.
Lord Gajanana, the elephant-faced form of Lord Ganesha, is worshipped on this day.
Yes. Both men and women observe this vrat for prosperity, family happiness, and removal of obstacles.
The fast is broken only after sighting the Moon and offering prayers to both the Moon and Lord Ganesha.
