Skanda Sashti 2026: Date, Timing, Muhurat
Share
Skanda Sashti is a significant festival dedicated to Lord Murugan, who is also known as Skanda, Kartikeya, Subramanya, and Kanda. The festival is associated with devotion, prayer, and Lord Murugan's victory over the demon Surapadman.
The major annual Kanda Sashti festival is celebrated over six days, traditionally culminating in Soorasamharam, which symbolizes Lord Murugan's victory over Surapadman.
When is Skanda Sashti in 2026?
In 2026, the six-day Skanda Sashti festival will be observed from Tuesday, November 10, to Sunday, November 15. Soorasamharam is celebrated on the sixth day, i.e., November 15.
This festival is particularly associated with the events at Tiruchendur, where the six-day celebration concludes with the Soorasamharam ceremony. The following day, November 16, Thirukalyanam is celebrated at Tiruchendur.
Skanda Sashti 2026 Date & Timing
Here are the main dates for the six-day Skanda Sashti 2026 observance:
|
Day |
Date |
Main Observance |
|
Day 1 |
November 10, 2026 |
Kanda Sashti begins |
|
Day 2 |
November 11, 2026 |
Six-day worship and Viratham continue |
|
Day 3 |
November 12, 2026 |
Six-day worship and Viratham continue |
|
Day 4 |
November 13, 2026 |
Six-day worship and Viratham continue |
|
Day 5 |
November 14, 2026 |
Final day before Soorasamharam |
|
Day 6 |
November 15, 2026 |
Soorasamharam / Skanda Sashti |
|
Day 7 |
November 16, 2026 |
Thirukalyanam at Tiruchendur |
According to the Indian Panchang, the Shashthi Tithi will begin at approximately 11:23 PM on November 14 and conclude around 2:00 AM on November 16, 2026. Exact timings may vary slightly depending on the location.
This six-day festival begins on November 10, while Soorasamharam is observed on November 15, 2026. It is advisable to check the schedule of events at the temple before planning a visit.
The Six Days of Skanda Sashti 2026
Day 1 – November 10, 2026
The first day marks the beginning of the six-day Kanda Sashti festival. Devotees commence their prayers and worship, and those who wish to do so also begin the Sashti vrat.
At Tiruchendur, the festival begins with temple rituals and ceremonies associated with the start of the Sashti fast. Devotees participate in accordance with their family customs and temple traditions.
Day 2 – November 11, 2026
The second day continues the six-day period of worship and devotion to Lord Murugan. Devotees may continue their personal prayers and fasting as part of the vrat.
Festivities continue at the temple during this time, with ongoing activities related to worship and devotion throughout the festival. The exact schedule may vary depending on the specific temple.
Day 3 – November 12, 2026
The third day is part of the ongoing Kanda Sashti fast. Devotees observing the six-day fast continue their prayers and devotional activities.
This six-day fast gradually leads up to the main Soorasamharam ceremony. Devotees may follow various methods of worship based on their family customs and temple traditions.
Day 4 – November 13, 2026
The fourth day continues the six-day Kanda Sashti fast. Prayer, worship, and fasting are significant aspects of this period for observing devotees.
As the festival approaches its final day, devotees continue their spiritual preparations for Soorasamharam. Methods of personal fasting may vary; therefore, devotees generally follow the traditions practiced by their families or the temple.
Day 5 – November 14, 2026
The fifth day is the final day immediately preceding Soorasamharam. Devotees continue their prayers and the observance of the Kanda Sashti fast. According to the Indian Panchang, the Sashti Tithi begins late at night on November 14 and continues until November 16. The main Soorasamharam ceremony is held on November 15.
Day 6 – November 15, 2026: Soorasamharam
The sixth and final day of the annual Kanda Sashti festival is Soorasamharam, which falls on Sunday, November 15, 2026. It symbolizes Lord Murugan's victory over Surapadman.
Soorasamharam is the main event of this six-day festival, particularly at Tiruchendur. This ceremony signifies the triumph of good over evil and marks the conclusion of the six-day Kanda Sashti festival.
Frequently Asked Questions About Skanda Sashti 2026
Q1. When is Skanda Sashti in 2026?
The annual six-day Kanda Sashti festival in 2026 will be observed from November 10 to November 15, 2026. Soorasamharam will take place on November 15.
Q2. What is the date of Soorasamharam in 2026?
Soorasamharam is on Sunday, November 15, 2026. It is the sixth and final day of the annual Kanda Sashti festival.
Q3. When does the six-day Skanda Sashti Viratham begin in 2026?
The six-day Kanda Sashti festival and Viratham at Tiruchendur begin on Tuesday, November 10, 2026 and continue through November 15.
Q4. When does Shashti Tithi begin in 2026?
For the November 2026 Skanda Sashti observance, Shashti Tithi begins at approximately 11:23 PM on November 14 and ends at approximately 2:00 AM on November 16, according to the cited panchang calculation. Local timings may differ.
Q5. Is Skanda Sashti observed every month?
Yes. Skanda Sashti is also observed monthly on Shukla Paksha Shashti. However, the annual six-day Kanda Sashti festival in November is a separate major observance, associated with Soorasamharam.
Q6. What is the significance of Soorasamharam?
Soorasamharam commemorates Lord Murugan's victory over Surapadman. It is the main concluding event of the six-day Kanda Sashti festival and is particularly famous at Tiruchendur.
Q7. When is Thirukalyanam in 2026?
At Tiruchendur, Thirukalyanam is scheduled for November 16, 2026, the day after Soorasamharam.
