2026 Skanda Sashti Vrat Dates (Kanda Sashti Vratam)
[2082–2083 Vikrama Samvata]
Skanda Sashti, also known as Kanda Shashti, is one of the most sacred observances dedicated to Lord Skanda (Murugan / Kartikeya / Subramanya). Devotees across India—especially in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala—observe this vrat with deep faith, fasting, prayers, and temple visits.
In 2026, Skanda Sashti will be observed every month on Shukla Paksha Sashti Tithi, with special significance attached to Kartika month Skanda Sashti (Soora Samharam).
Who Is Lord Skanda (Murugan)?
Lord Skanda is the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati and the divine commander of the celestial army.
- In South India, Skanda is worshipped as Murugan, the younger brother of Lord Ganesha
- In North India, he is revered as Kartikeya, the elder brother of Lord Ganesha
He symbolizes:
- Courage and valor
- Wisdom and discipline
- Victory over evil
- Protection from negative forces
Importance of Skanda Sashti Vrat
Sashti Tithi is exclusively dedicated to Lord Skanda. Devotees believe that observing Skanda Sashti Vrat:
- Removes obstacles and fears
- Grants courage and spiritual strength
- Helps overcome debts, diseases, and enemy troubles
- Bestows prosperity, wisdom, and divine protection
Fasting on Skanda Sashti is considered as powerful as performing major penance.
Skanda Sashti Vratam Rules (Panchang Significance)
According to Dharmasindhu and Nirnayasindhu:
- Skanda Sashti Vratam is ideally observed when Panchami and Sashti Tithi overlap
- If Sashti begins between sunrise and sunset, that day may be chosen
- Hence, in some months, Skanda Sashti Vratam may fall on Panchami day instead of pure Sashti
Many Murugan temples in Tamil Nadu, including Tiruchendur, strictly follow these Panchang rules.
2026 Skanda Sashti Vrat Dates & Timings
(All timings are in local time of New Delhi, India)
January 2026 Skanda Sashti
- Date: Saturday, January 24, 2026
- Tithi: Magha, Shukla Shashthi
- Begins: 01:46 AM, Jan 24
- Ends: 12:39 AM, Jan 25
February 2026 Skanda Sashti
- Date: Sunday, February 22, 2026
- Tithi: Phalguna, Shukla Shashthi
- Begins: 11:09 AM, Feb 22
- Ends: 09:09 AM, Feb 23
March 2026 Skanda Sashti
- Date: Tuesday, March 24, 2026
- Tithi: Chaitra, Shukla Shashthi
- Begins: 06:38 PM, Mar 23
- Ends: 04:07 PM, Mar 24
April 2026 Skanda Sashti
- Date: Wednesday, April 22, 2026
- Tithi: Vaishakha, Shukla Shashthi
- Begins: 01:19 AM, Apr 22
- Ends: 10:49 PM, Apr 22
May 2026 – Adhika Skanda Sashti
- Date: Thursday, May 21, 2026
- Tithi: Jyeshtha, Shukla Shashthi
- Begins: 08:26 AM, May 21
- Ends: 06:24 AM, May 22
June 2026 Skanda Sashti
- Date: Friday, June 19, 2026
- Tithi: Jyeshtha, Shukla Shashthi
- Begins: 04:59 PM, Jun 19
- Ends: 03:46 PM, Jun 20
July 2026 Skanda Sashti
- Date: Sunday, July 19, 2026
- Tithi: Ashadha, Shukla Shashthi
- Begins: 03:42 AM, Jul 19
- Ends: 03:29 AM, Jul 20
August 2026 Skanda Sashti
- Date: Monday, August 17, 2026
- Tithi: Shravana, Shukla Shashthi
- Begins: 05:00 PM, Aug 17
- Ends: 05:50 PM, Aug 18
September 2026 Skanda Sashti
- Date: Wednesday, September 16, 2026
- Tithi: Bhadrapada, Shukla Shashthi
- Begins: 08:59 AM, Sep 16
- Ends: 10:47 AM, Sep 17
October 2026 Skanda Sashti
- Date: Friday, October 16, 2026
- Tithi: Ashwina, Shukla Shashthi
- Begins: 03:25 AM, Oct 16
- Ends: 05:54 AM, Oct 17
November 2026 – Soora Samharam (Most Auspicious)
- Date: Sunday, November 15, 2026
- Tithi: Kartika, Shukla Shashthi
- Begins: 11:23 PM, Nov 14
- Ends: 02:00 AM, Nov 16
Significance:
This Skanda Sashti marks Soora Samharam, the divine victory of Lord Murugan over demon Surapadman. Devotees observe six-day fasting, culminating on this day.
December 2026 – Subrahmanya Sashti
- Date: Tuesday, December 15, 2026
- Tithi: Margashirsha, Shukla Shashthi
- Begins: 07:15 PM, Dec 14
- Ends: 09:19 PM, Dec 15
Also known as Kukke Subramanya Sashti, this vrat holds special importance in Karnataka.
Skanda Sashti Fasting & Rituals
- Early morning bath
- Observance of partial or complete fast
- Chanting Skanda Sashti Kavasam
- Offering fruits, milk, honey, and flowers
- Evening Murugan darshan and prayers
Breaking the fast is done after Sashti Tithi ends.
Most Important Skanda Sashti: Kartika Month
Although every Sashti is sacred, Kartika month Skanda Sashti (Aippasi/Karthikai) is the most powerful.
- 6-day fasting
- Soora Samharam on the 6th day
- Tirukalyanam (divine wedding) on the next day
Major Temples Dedicated to Lord Murugan
Arupadaiveedu – Six Sacred Abodes
- Palani Murugan Temple – Near Coimbatore
- Swamimalai Murugan Temple – Near Kumbakonam
- Thiruthani Murugan Temple – Near Chennai
- Pazhamudircholai Murugan Temple – Near Madurai
- Tiruchendur Murugan Temple – Tamil Nadu coast
- Thirupparamkunram Murugan Temple – Madurai
Other Important Temples
- Marudamalai Murugan Temple, Coimbatore
- Kukke Subramanya Temple, Karnataka
Conclusion
2026 Skanda Sashti Vratam offers devotees twelve powerful opportunities to seek the blessings of Lord Murugan, the divine warrior and protector. Observing this vrat with devotion is believed to destroy negativity, grant inner strength, and lead one toward spiritual progress.
May Lord Skanda bless all devotees with courage, wisdom, and victory over all obstacles.
Vel Vel Muruga!
