Not all Chaturthis are created equal. Once or twice a year, the universe serves up a rare combination that devotees of Lord Ganesha wait for with great anticipation – a Sankashti Chaturthi that falls on a Tuesday. This extraordinary confluence is known as Angaraki Sankashti Chaturthi, and in 2026, it falls on May 5th.
This year’s observance carries extra weight. The Chaturthi in question is Ekadanta Sankashti Chaturthi – the first Chaturthi of the Hindu month of Jyeshtha – making it doubly auspicious. If you’ve been praying for a breakthrough in your career, seeking relief from debt, or hoping to dissolve long-standing obstacles, this is a day that Hindu tradition considers among the most spiritually charged of the entire year.
What Is Angaraki Sankashti Chaturthi?
To understand why this day holds such reverence, let’s break down the name itself.
- Angarak refers to Mars, the fiery red planet known in Hindu astrology as Mangal.
- Sankashti means the removal or alleviation of difficulties and suffering.
- Chaturthi is the fourth day (Tithi) of the lunar fortnight.
When a Sankashti Chaturthi — already a day dedicated to the worship of Lord Ganesha — coincides with a Tuesday (the day ruled by Mars), the result is called Angaraki Chaturthi. This alignment is considered exceptionally potent because it merges the energy of Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, with that of Mars, the planet governing courage, ambition, and action.
Religious belief holds that observing the fast on this single day earns spiritual merit equivalent to fasting on all Sankashti Chaturthis across an entire year — some traditions say this equals 21 such fasts combined.
The Mythological Backstory: Sage Angarak and Lord Ganesha
The origins of this observance are rooted in the Ganesha Purana. According to the text, a sage named Angarak performed intense, unwavering penance on the planet Mars. His devotion was so profound that Lord Ganesha himself appeared before him and granted him a divine boon. As part of this blessing, the Chaturthi that falls on a Tuesday was dedicated to Angarak’s name — and it was declared that whoever worships Lord Ganesha with sincerity on this day will receive his abundant grace.
This story adds a layer of meaning to the observance: it isn’t just a calendar coincidence but a day with a direct mythological connection between planetary energy and divine blessing.
Angaraki Chaturthi 2026: Date and Puja Muhurat
Date: Tuesday, May 5, 2026
The Chaturthi Tithi of Krishna Paksha in the month of Jyeshtha begins at 5:24 AM on May 5 and extends until 7:51 AM on May 6. Since the moon will be visible on the night of May 5th, the fast and all puja rituals are to be observed on that day.
Moonrise Arghya: Devotees must wait for the moon to rise before concluding the fast, at which point they offer ritual water (Arghya) to the moon and perform Lord Ganesha’s Aarti.
Angarki Yoga in 2026: A Rare Triple Occurrence
What makes 2026 especially notable is that a unique planetary alignment will bring about the Angarki Yoga phenomenon on three separate occasions this year. Each occurrence offers devotees a renewed window for worship, prayer, and spiritual intention-setting.
How to Observe the Angaraki Chaturthi Vrat: Step-by-Step Guide
Morning Preparation
- Rise during the Brahma Muhurat (approximately 4–5 AM) and take a ritual bath.
- Wear clean, preferably fresh clothes.
- Sit quietly, hold water in your palms, and mentally invoke Lord Ganesha while taking a Sankalpa — a solemn inner vow to observe the fast and complete the puja with full devotion.
Setting Up the Puja Space
- Spread a red cloth on a raised platform (Chowki).
- Place a Ganesha idol or image at the center.
- If using an idol, perform Abhishek (ritual bathing) with Gangajal; if using a framed image, simply sprinkle Gangajal over it.
The Puja Offerings
Worship Lord Ganesha with the following items in sequence:
- Akshat (unbroken rice grains)
- Turmeric and Kumkum (vermilion)
- Fresh flowers
- Agarbatti (incense) and a diya (lamp)
- Durva grass — this sacred three-bladed grass is Ganesha’s favorite offering and should never be omitted
- Modaks or Ladoos as Bhog (food offering)
Mantra and Prayer
Chant “Om Ganapataye Namah” with focus and devotion. Read or listen to the Sankashti Chaturthi Katha (the sacred story associated with the vrat). Conclude with the Aarti and seek Ganesha’s forgiveness for any inadvertent errors in the ritual.
Breaking the Fast
The fast is broken only after moonrise. Offer Arghya (water) to the moon, complete the moonrise Aarti of Lord Ganesha, and then partake in your meal.
May Lord Ganesha remove every obstacle from your path on this auspicious Angaraki Sankashti Chaturthi. Ganpati Bappa Morya!