Astrologger2026 Skanda Sashti Dates
Skanda Sashti is the Shukla-paksha Shashthi (6th tithi) of each lunar month, sacred to Skanda — Kartikeya or Murugan, the warrior son of Shiva. The Kartika-month observance, celebrated grandly in Tamil tradition as Soorasamharam, is the principal one. Dates below are computed for New Delhi.
| Date | Day | Name | Paksha / Month | Tithi Begins | Tithi Ends |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24 Jan 2026 | Sat | Skanda Sashti (Magha) | Shukla · Magha | 24 Jan, 1:46 AM | 25 Jan, 12:40 AM |
| 22 Feb 2026 | Sun | Skanda Sashti (Phalguna) | Shukla · Phalguna | 21 Feb, 1:1 PM | 22 Feb, 11:10 AM |
| 24 Mar 2026 | Tue | Skanda Sashti (Chaitra) | Shukla · Chaitra | 23 Mar, 6:39 PM | 24 Mar, 4:8 PM |
| 22 Apr 2026 | Wed | Skanda Sashti (Vaishakha) | Shukla · Vaishakha | 22 Apr, 1:20 AM | 22 Apr, 10:50 PM |
| 21 May 2026 | Thu | Skanda Sashti (Jyeshtha) | Shukla · Jyeshtha | 20 May, 11:7 AM | 21 May, 8:27 AM |
| 19 Jun 2026 | Fri | Skanda Sashti (Jyeshtha) | Shukla · Jyeshtha | 18 Jun, 6:59 PM | 19 Jun, 5:0 PM |
| 19 Jul 2026 | Sun | Skanda Sashti (Ashadha) | Shukla · Ashadha | 19 Jul, 3:43 AM | 20 Jul, 3:30 AM |
| 17 Aug 2026 | Mon | Skanda Sashti (Shravana) | Shukla · Shravana | 16 Aug, 4:53 PM | 17 Aug, 5:1 PM |
| 16 Sept 2026UPCOMING | Wed | Skanda Sashti (Bhadrapada) | Shukla · Bhadrapada | 15 Sept, 7:45 AM | 16 Sept, 9:0 AM |
| 16 Oct 2026 | Fri | Skanda Sashti (Ashwina) | Shukla · Ashwina | 16 Oct, 3:25 AM | 17 Oct, 5:55 AM |
| 15 Nov 2026 | Sun | Skanda Sashti (Kartika) | Shukla · Kartika | 14 Nov, 11:24 PM | 16 Nov, 2:1 AM |
| 15 Dec 2026 | Tue | Skanda Sashti (Margashirsha) | Shukla · Margashirsha | 14 Dec, 7:16 PM | 15 Dec, 9:20 PM |
All dates & times computed for New Delhi (IST) with the Swiss Ephemeris + Lahiri ayanamsa — not copied.
What is Skanda Sashti?
Skanda Sashti honours Kartikeya (Murugan) on the sixth tithi of the waxing fortnight each month. The tithi is his own — Shashthi Devi is associated with his care — and devotees keep it for courage, victory over inner enemies, and the well-being of children.
Soorasamharam
The annual Skanda Sashti of Kartika commemorates the six-day battle in which Murugan vanquished Surapadman, celebrated with dramatic re-enactments at Tiruchendur and Murugan temples worldwide. The monthly Sashtis carry the same devotion through the year.
Frequently asked questions
How many Skanda Sashti are in 2026?+
There are 12 Skanda Sashti in 2026 for the Delhi region — one each lunar month on the Shukla Shashthi.
Who is Skanda?+
Skanda — also called Kartikeya, Murugan or Subrahmanya — is the son of Shiva and Parvati and the commander of the gods' army, especially revered in Tamil tradition.
Which Skanda Sashti is the main one?+
The Shashthi after Deepavali in the month of Kartika (Aippasi in the Tamil calendar) is the great Skanda Sashti, ending with Soorasamharam — the victory over the demon Surapadman.
How is the vrat kept?+
Devotees fast for the day, visit Murugan temples, and recite the Skanda Sashti Kavacham. Practice varies by region and devotion.
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