Sankashti Chaturthi in June: 3rd or 4th? Rules for Vrata Nirnaya

Sankatahara Chaturthi (Sankashti Chaturthi), which occurs every month, is a highly auspicious day for devotees of Lord Ganesha. It is a special day dedicated to praying to Vighneshwara to remove the obstacles and hardships we face in our lives. However, there is some confusion regarding the exact date to observe Sankashti Chaturthi this June. It happens to fall on June 4th in the eastern parts of India and on June 3rd in the western parts. Let us understand in detail why this discrepancy occurs despite having a unified calendar across the country, and what the Shastra rules actually say.

What do the Shastras say about Sankashti Chaturthi?

According to authoritative texts like Dharmasindhu and Vrata Nirnaya Kalpavalli, the primary rule for observing Sankashti Chaturthi is Chandrodya Vyapti (the prevailing of the tithi during the time of moonrise).

• Brahma Purana: The Vratam should be observed on the day when Chaturthi Tithi is active during the moonrise time.
• When it prevails on two days: If Chaturthi is present during moonrise on both consecutive days, Sage Markandeya suggests observing the fast on the second day (Para Dinam). However, Dharmasindhu notes that some scholars also accept the first day (Tritiya mixed with Chaturthi).

Why is there a difference in dates this June?

According to Indian Standard Time (IST), Bahula Tritiya lasts until 9:23 PM on June 3rd. The Chaturthi tithi only begins after this time. While this time is uniform across India, the actual time of moonrise varies depending on the geographical location.

In the eastern regions of India (for example, Kolkata, Bhubaneswar, Visakhapatnam), the moon rises before the Chaturthi tithi begins (i.e., before 9:23 PM) on the 3rd. Since Chaturthi is not present during the moonrise on that day, the Vratam cannot be observed. On the next day, June 4th, Chaturthi lasts until 11:32 PM, meaning the tithi will be active during the moonrise. Therefore, Sankashti should be observed on June 4th in the eastern regions.

Conversely, in the western regions (like Mumbai, Gujarat), the moon rises much later. The moonrise occurs after 9:23 PM (after Chaturthi has begun). Because the Chaturthi tithi is available during moonrise on June 3rd itself, devotees in these regions will observe the Sankashti Chaturthi Vratam on June 3rd.

When is Sankashti Chaturthi in your city?

You can easily find out which day to observe the fast based on the moonrise time in your city using the tables provided below.

Cities celebrating Sankashti Chaturthi on June 3rd, 2026

To find out which day Sankashti falls on in your region, and to check the Sankashti moonrise time, click here.

Cities celebrating Sankashti Chaturthi on June 4th, 2026