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 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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.