Dwijapriya Sankashti Chaturthi 2026 Date and Time

Date: Thursday, February 5, 2026

Complete Tithi Schedule

Dwijapriya Sankashti Chaturthi 2026 Tithi Begins: 12:09 AM on February 5, 2026
Dwijapriya Sankashti Chaturthi 2026 Tithi Ends: 12:22 AM on February 6, 2026
Moonrise Time: 09:35 PM on February 5, 2026
Fasting Day: Thursday, February 5, 2026

Why Tithi Timing Matters: Understanding Udaya Vyapini Chaturthi

In Hindu panchang, the concept of Chandrodayavyapini Chaturthi (also called Udaya Vyapini Chaturthi) is crucial for determining the correct day to observe Sankashti Chaturthi. This means the Chaturthi tithi must be prevailing at the time of moonrise (Chandrodaya) for the vrata to be valid.

For Dwijapriya Sankashti Chaturthi 2026, the Chaturthi tithi begins just after midnight on February 5 and ends just after midnight on February 6. Since the moonrise occurs at 9:35 PM on February 5 – well within the Chaturthi tithi period – Thursday, February 5, 2026 is the correct day to observe this vrata.

This precise astronomical calculation ensures that devotees align their fasting and worship with the exact lunar phase when Ganesha’s energy is most accessible. The Chaturthi tithi governs obstacles and their removal, and observing the vrata when this tithi prevails at moonrise creates the perfect spiritual window for receiving Ganesha’s grace.

Which Day to Observe

Observe the Dwijapriya Sankashti Chaturthi 2026 vrata on Thursday, February 5, 2026. Begin your fast at sunrise on February 5 and break it only after sighting the moon at 9:35 PM on the same evening, following proper Chandra puja.

Quick Puja Vidhi for Dwijapriya Sankashti Chaturthi 2026

Morning Ritual (Sunrise)

1. Sankalp (Sacred Resolution)

• Wake early, take bath, wear clean clothes (yellow, red, or orange preferred)
• Sit before your altar facing east or north
• Hold akshat (rice) and flower in right hand
• Take the vow: “Today, on Dwijapriya Sankashti Chaturthi, I observe this vrata for Ganesha’s blessings and obstacle removal”

2. Begin the Fast

• From sunrise until moonrise, abstain from food
• Those with health conditions may take phalahar (fruits, milk)
• Maintain silence and engage in mantra japa throughout the day

Evening Puja (After Sunset, Before Moonrise)

3. Prepare the Altar

• Clean your puja space thoroughly
• Place Ganesha murti or picture on a red/yellow cloth
• Light a ghee lamp and incense

4. Shodashopachara Puja (Simplified 16-Step Worship)

• Avahana: Invoke Ganesha’s presence with “Om Ganapatim avahayami”
• Asana: Offer symbolic seat
• Padya, Arghya, Achamana: Offer water for washing feet, hands, mouth
• Snana: Perform abhisheka with water or panchamrita
• Vastra: Offer cloth
• Gandha: Apply sandalwood paste/kumkum
• Akshata: Offer rice grains
• Pushpa: Offer fresh flowers
• Durva: Offer durva grass in bunches of 3, 5, or 21 (essential for Ganesha)
• Naivedya: Offer modakas, laddoos, fruits
• Dhoop & Deepa: Wave incense and lamp
• Aarti: Perform Ganesha aarti
• Pradakshina & Namaskara: Circumambulate mentally and prostrate

5. Mantra Japa Chant these mantras 108 times:

• “Om Gam Ganapataye Namah”
• “Om Vakratunda Mahakaya Suryakoti Samaprabha, Nirvighnam Kuru Me Deva Sarva-Karyeshu Sarvada”

6. Vrat Katha Listen to or read the Dwijapriya Sankashti Chaturthi 2026 vrat katha (story of Vishnu Sharma and his devoted daughter-in-law)

Moon Worship and Fast Breaking (9:35 PM onwards)

7. Chandra Darshan

• Go to open space when moon rises at 9:35 PM
• Sight the moon with reverence
• Offer argya (water) to the moon with “Om Chandraya Namah”
• Pray for mental peace and emotional stability

8. Parana (Breaking the Fast)

• Return to Ganesha altar, bow once more
• Break fast with prasad from Ganesha’s offering
• Then consume sattvic meal or vrat-friendly food

Essential Puja Items Checklist

✓ Ganesha murti/picture
✓ Red or yellow cloth
✓ Ghee lamp and oil
✓ Incense sticks
✓ Sandalwood paste, kumkum, haldi
✓ Akshat (unbroken rice)
✓ Durva grass (mandatory)
✓ Fresh flowers
✓ Modakas or til laddoos
✓ Fruits
✓ Water vessel for argya

Fasting Guidelines for Dwijapriya Sankashti Chaturthi 2026

Fasting Rules

Complete Fast (Nirjala): No food or water from sunrise to moonrise – recommended only for experienced devotees in good health

Phalahar Fast (Recommended): Most common approach, suitable for working professionals and students

Foods Allowed During Phalahar

Permitted:

• All fresh fruits (banana, apple, pomegranate, papaya)
• Milk, curd, buttermilk, paneer
• Dry fruits (almonds, cashews, raisins, dates)
• Sabudana (sago) preparations
• Potatoes, sweet potatoes (prepared with rock salt)
• Singhara atta, kuttu atta, rajgira
• Peanuts
• Rock salt (sendha namak) only
• Sugar, jaggery, honey

Strictly Avoided:

• All grains (wheat, rice, regular flours)
• Onions, garlic
• Regular table salt
• Non-vegetarian food, eggs
• Alcohol, tobacco
• Packaged and processed foods

Who Should Modify Fasting

• Pregnant and nursing women: Take adequate nutrition, focus on devotional participation
• Senior citizens with health conditions: Light sattvic meal acceptable
• Those with diabetes, blood pressure issues: Consult doctor, adapt to fruits/milk
• Working professionals: Phalahar maintains energy while honoring the vrata

For complete details on puja vidhi, vrat katha, regional traditions, and deeper spiritual significance, read our comprehensive pillar article: Dwijapriya Sankashti Chaturthi – Complete Devotional Guide

Special Significance of Dwijapriya Sankashti Chaturthi 2026

Thursday Observance – A Special Blessing

Dwijapriya Sankashti Chaturthi 2026 falls on Thursday (Guruvar), the day ruled by Jupiter (Brihaspati). This creates an exceptionally auspicious combination:

Jupiter-Ganesha Connection: In Vedic tradition, Ganesha is closely associated with Jupiter, the planet of wisdom, knowledge, expansion, and divine grace. Observing Dwijapriya Sankashti Chaturthi 2026’s vrata on Jupiter’s day amplifies benefits related to:

• Educational success and scholarly pursuits
• Right decision-making and clarity of judgment
• Spiritual growth and guru’s blessings
• Expansion of prosperity and dharmic wealth

Enhanced for Students and Seekers: Thursday’s energy combined with Dwijapriya (beloved of the twice-born, patron of learning) makes this 2026 observance especially powerful for:

• Students preparing for competitive exams
• Scholars and researchers seeking breakthroughs
• Spiritual aspirants deepening their practice
• Teachers and educators
• Anyone in fields requiring wisdom and discrimination

Magha Month Potency

This Sankashti falls during Magha month (Amanta calendar) or Phalguna month (Purnimanta calendar), considered highly sacred for:

• Tapasya and spiritual austerities yielding multiplied benefits
• Ancestral worship and pitru seva
• Deepening devotional practices
• All vratas observed in Magha receiving enhanced punya

Astrological Considerations for February 2026

The planetary positions in early February 2026 create supportive conditions for:

• Obstacle removal in long-pending matters
• Mental clarity during decision-making phases
• Harmonizing family relationships
• Professional breakthroughs and career advancements

Devotees facing chronic challenges in education, career, or family harmony will find this Dwijapriya Sankashti Chaturthi 2026 particularly responsive to sincere observance.

Do’s and Don’ts: Essential Checklist

5 Essential Do’s ✓

1. Wake Early and Maintain Purity

• Rise during Brahma Muhurta if possible (4:30-5:30 AM)
• Take complete bath before beginning the vrata
• Wear clean, preferably new clothes in auspicious colors

2. Observe Mauna (Silence) as Much as Possible

• Minimize unnecessary conversation throughout the day
• Avoid gossip, complaints, and negative speech
• Use the day for inward focus and Ganesha contemplation

3. Perform Complete Puja with Durva Grass

• Never skip durva grass offering – it’s most dear to Ganesha
• Offer modakas or til laddoos as naivedya
• Recite the vrat katha without fail

4. Wait for Moonrise Before Breaking Fast

• Check exact moonrise time for your city
• Perform proper Chandra darshan and argya
• Break fast only with Ganesha’s prasad first

5. Maintain Devotional Focus Throughout

• Engage in continuous nama japa when possible
• Read or listen to Ganesha stotras
• Keep your sankalp (intention) clear and pure in mind

5 Critical Don’ts ✗

1. Never Break Fast Before Moonrise

• Even if you feel weak, wait for proper moon sighting
• Breaking fast early nullifies the vrata’s spiritual benefits
• If health emergency, take minimal sattvic food and continue devotion

2. Avoid Anger, Harsh Speech, and Conflicts

• The vrata requires sattvic mental state
• Arguments and negativity destroy the punya accumulated
• Practice patience even in difficult situations

3. Don’t Skip the Vrat Katha

• Listening to or reading the katha is mandatory
• This is how the vrata’s teaching and blessing are transmitted
• Without katha, the ritual remains incomplete

4. Avoid Prohibited Foods Even in Phalahar

• No onions, garlic, or regular grains
• Don’t use regular salt; only rock salt (sendha namak)
• Stay completely away from tamasic and non-vegetarian items

5. Don’t Observe Mechanically Without Bhava

• Mere ritual without devotion has limited effect
• Keep your heart connected to Ganesha throughout
• Remember: shraddha (faith) is more important than perfect execution

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Dwijapriya Sankashti Chaturthi 2026 date?

Dwijapriya Sankashti Chaturthi in 2026 falls on Thursday, February 5, 2026. The Chaturthi tithi begins at 12:09 AM on February 5 and ends at 12:22 AM on February 6, with moonrise at 9:35 PM on February 5.

What time is moonrise on Dwijapriya Sankashti Chaturthi 2026?

The moonrise time on February 5, 2026 is 9:35 PM (for Delhi/NCR region). However, moonrise times vary by city. Always check your local panchang for precise timing in your specific location.

Can I break fast before moonrise?

No, absolutely not. Breaking the fast before moonrise completely negates the spiritual benefits of Sankashti Chaturthi. The vrata specifically requires fasting from sunrise until after moonrise and proper Chandra darshan. If you have a medical emergency, consult your doctor, but traditionally the fast must be maintained until moon sighting.

What should I offer to Ganesha on this day?

Essential offerings include:

• Durva grass (mandatory, in bunches of 3, 5, or 21)
• Modakas (Ganesha’s favorite sweet) or til laddoos
• Fresh flowers (red, yellow, or white)
• Fruits and coconut
• Sandalwood paste, kumkum, akshat
• Ghee lamp and incense

The most important is durva grass and modakas/laddoos, offered with pure devotion.

Can working professionals observe this vrat?

Yes, absolutely! Working professionals can observe this vrata by:

• Waking early to complete sankalp and morning rituals
• Taking phalahar (fruits/milk) during the day if needed for energy
• Minimizing conversations at work (modified mauna)
• Performing main puja after returning home in evening
• Checking moonrise time and planning the day accordingly

Many professionals successfully observe monthly Sankashti while maintaining work commitments.

Is water allowed during fasting?

It depends on the type of fast you choose:

• Nirjala (waterless) fast: No water or food – only for experienced, healthy devotees
• Phalahar fast: Water, fruits, milk, and vrat-friendly foods are permitted

Most devotees, especially beginners, working professionals, and those with health considerations, observe phalahar fast which allows water. The key is sincere devotion, not physical hardship.

What if I miss the moonrise?

If you miss seeing the actual moonrise moment due to clouds, buildings, or other obstructions:

• Wait for the moon to be visible in the sky at any point after moonrise time
• Once you can see the moon, perform Chandra darshan and offer argya
• Then break your fast with Ganesha’s prasad

If the moon is completely invisible due to weather, you may break fast at least 30 minutes after the scheduled moonrise time, after performing symbolic moon worship.

Which mantra to chant on this day?

The most powerful mantras for Dwijapriya Sankashti Chaturthi 2026 are:

Primary Mantra:
“Om Gam Ganapataye Namah” (108 or 1008 times)

Vakratunda Mantra:
“Om Vakratunda Mahakaya Suryakoti Samaprabha,
Nirvighnam Kuru Me Deva Sarva-Karyeshu Sarvada”

Specific Dwijapriya Invocation:
“Om Dwijapriyaya Namah”

Chant with focus, using a rudraksha or tulsi mala, throughout the day whenever possible.

Can pregnant women observe this fast?

Pregnant women should not observe nirjala (waterless) or strict fasting. However, they can participate in the vrata by:

• Taking phalahar with adequate nutrition (fruits, milk, vrat-friendly meals)
• Focusing on the devotional aspects: puja, mantra japa, katha listening
• Maintaining sattvic diet and positive thoughts
• Remembering that service to the child in the womb is also worship

Health of mother and baby takes priority. Ganesha accepts devotion of the heart more than physical austerity.

What is the best time for puja in 2026?

For Dwijapriya Sankashti Chaturthi 2026:

Morning Sankalp: Between 6:00 AM – 8:00 AM on February 5
Evening Puja: Between 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM on February 5
Chandra Darshan: After 9:35 PM on February 5
Parana (Fast Breaking): After 9:35 PM, following moon worship

The most important is to complete the main Ganesha puja before moonrise, then perform Chandra darshan when the moon appears, and only then break the fast.

Embrace the Blessing

Dwijapriya Sankashti Chaturthi 2026 offers a powerful spiritual opportunity on Thursday, February 5, to invoke Ganesha’s grace in his wisdom-bestowing form. The Thursday alignment with Jupiter’s energy makes this observance especially potent for students, professionals, and spiritual seekers facing obstacles in their paths.

Mark your calendar, prepare your puja items, check your city’s moonrise timing, and observe this sacred vrata with complete devotion. Whether you’re fasting for educational success, career growth, family harmony, or spiritual advancement, Dwijapriya Ganesha responds to sincere faith and disciplined practice.

Fast from sunrise to 9:35 PM, worship with durva grass and modakas, listen to the vrat katha, sight the moon with reverence, and receive the infinite blessings of Vighnaharta.

May Dwijapriya Ganesha remove all obstacles from your life and grant you wisdom, success, and peace.

Om Gam Ganapataye Namah! 🙏

Help Us Keep This Guide Accurate

At Temple Connect, we regularly update our content to ensure you receive the most relevant and authentic information. If you’d like to suggest improvements, share regional traditions, or report any updates, we’d love to hear from you at connect@templeconnect.com 

Disclaimer: Moonrise timings are approximate. Please verify with your local panchang for precise timing in your location. Consult healthcare providers before undertaking strict fasting if you have medical conditions.