Top News

New Delhi: Skanda Shashti is an important monthly observance dedicated to Lord Murugan (Kartikeya), worshipped as the god of courage, wisdom, discipline, and victory over obstacles. Every Shashti tithi is considered sacred, but devotees believe that observing the vrat with sincerity brings strength to face inner and outer challenges.

In January 2026, Skanda Shashti falls during the Magha month, Shukla Paksha, making it spiritually meaningful for those seeking clarity, protection, and self-control.

Skanda Shashti 2026: Date and tithi details

• Skanda Shashti Date: Saturday, 24 January 2026

• Shukla Shashthi Begins: 01:46 AM on 24 January 2026

• Shukla Shashthi Ends: 12:39 AM on 25 January 2026

Since Shashthi tithi is present after sunrise on 24 January, Skanda Shashti is correctly observed on this day.

Spiritual meaning of Skanda Shashti Vrat

Skanda Shashti represents inner discipline and victory over negative tendencies such as anger, fear, ego, and confusion. Lord Murugan’s Vel, the divine spear, symbolises wisdom that cuts through ignorance.

By observing the Skanda Shashti vrat, devotees aim to:

• Strengthen mental focus

• Gain courage during difficult phases

• Develop control over desires and habits

• Seek protection from unseen obstacles

Unlike the six-day Kanda Shashti festival, monthly Skanda Shashti is simpler but equally powerful when observed with devotion.

What should we do on Skanda Shashti:

Following the right practices helps devotees receive the full spiritual benefit of the vrat.

1. Wake up early and stay clean

Begin the day before sunrise if possible. Take a bath and wear clean clothes, preferably light-coloured or white, to maintain purity.

2. Observe fasting with balance

Devotees may choose a full fast or a partial fast. If eating, consume simple sattvic food such as fruits, milk, or a light vegetarian meal once during the day.

3. Chant mantras and prayers

Chanting “Om Saravana Bhava” 108 times is highly recommended. Reading or listening to Murugan stotras or Skanda- hymns helps maintain spiritual focus.

4. Visit a Murugan temple

Visiting a Murugan temple on Skanda Shashti is considered auspicious. If temple visits are not possible, a simple home prayer with sincerity is equally meaningful.

5. Stay hydrated

Those observing partial fasting should drink enough water, coconut water, or herbal drinks to keep the body stable and calm.

6. Practice charity

Offering food, clothes, or support to those in need on Skanda Shashti is believed to attract Lord Murugan’s blessings, as he is known as the protector of the weak.

What should we avoid Skanda Shashti

Equally important are the disciplines that should be followed during the vrat.

1. Avoid tamasic food

Do not consume non-vegetarian food, onion, garlic, alcohol, or heavily processed items on this day.

2. Stay away from intoxicants

Alcohol, tobacco, and any form of intoxication should be strictly avoided, as they disturb mental clarity.

3. Control speech and emotions

Avoid harsh language, arguments, lies, and negative speech. Skanda Shashti is meant to purify thoughts as much as actions.

4. Avoid heavy physical work

Try to avoid strenuous labour or activities that cause unnecessary stress and distraction from prayer.

5. Avoid luxury and excess comfort

Many devotees prefer a simple routine on this day, avoiding indulgence and unnecessary comfort to practice humility and restraint.

Benefits of observing Skanda Shashti Vrat

Observing Skanda Shashti with faith and discipline is believed to bring meaningful changes in life.

1. Mental strength and clarity

Helps reduce anxiety, fear, and emotional restlessness while improving focus and confidence.

2. Spiritual growth

Strengthens self-discipline and helps devotees stay aligned with higher values.

3. Astrological relief

Traditionally believed to reduce the challenging effects of Mars and aggressive planetary influences.

4. Success and obstacle removal

Devotees believe the vrat supports progress in education, career, and personal efforts by removing unseen hurdles.

5. Emotional balance

Regular observance of Skanda Shashti helps develop patience, inner calm, and emotional stability.

Skanda Shashti on Saturday, 24 January 2026, offers a valuable opportunity to pause, reflect, and realign with inner strength. The vrat does not demand extreme rituals. What matters most is sincerity, discipline, and respect for the spiritual purpose of the day.

Observed with simple fasting, controlled speech, and focused prayer, Skanda Shashti becomes a quiet but powerful reminder that true victory begins within.

Written by: Tanya Singh, Astropatri.com. For feedback, please write to hello@astropatri.com.