Key Updates on Sakat Chauth Moonrise Tonight

Sakat Chauth, also known as Sankashti Chaturthi or Tilkut Chauth, is being observed across India on January 6, 2026. The festival holds deep spiritual significance for devotees, especially mothers praying for the well-being and longevity of their children. The fast is traditionally broken only after sighting the moon and offering prayers, making the exact moonrise time a crucial detail for observers nationwide.

According to Hindu calendar guidance from Drik Panchang and multiple regional reports, the moon is expected to rise tonight around 8:54 PM in most parts of India. However, exact times vary slightly depending on the city and geographical location — meaning devotees may see the moon a few minutes earlier or later in their area.

City-Wise Moonrise Timings (Approximate)

Devotees are closely tracking local timings to perform evening rituals and break their fast at the correct moment. Here are approximate moonrise times for several major Indian cities during Sakat Chauth 2026:

  • Delhi / Noida: ~8:54 PM

  • Mumbai: ~9:20 PM to 9:23 PM

  • Kolkata: ~8:15 PM

  • Bengaluru: ~9:10 PM

  • Hyderabad: ~9:02 PM

  • Jaipur: ~9:03 PM

  • Ahmedabad / Pune: ~9:20 PM

  • Chennai: ~8:59 PM

  • Chandigarh: ~8:54 PM

  • Lucknow: ~8:40 PM

These times serve as helpful guidelines for devotees who are observing the fast and planning their evening prayers. Because timing can be influenced by local atmospheric conditions and geography, community announcements and local panchang (calendar) updates remain important for precise planning.

Why Moonrise Matters on Sakat Chauth

Unlike other festivals where rituals can be performed at specific muhurat windows, Sakat Chauth fasting is formally concluded only after seeing the moon (Chand Darshan) and offering Arghya to it. For many observers, this moment signifies spiritual fulfillment and a successful completion of the fast.

Devotees often gather in open spaces such as balconies, rooftops, courtyards, or temple grounds as night falls, waiting patiently for the first glimpse of the moon. In some regions, clouds or weather conditions might delay visibility — but the ritual importance remains unchanged.

Rituals and Significance

In addition to the moonrise, Sakat Chauth 2026 is marked by traditional prayers to Lord Ganesha and Goddess Sakat (Sankat Mata). Devotees typically observe the fast throughout the day, beginning early with rituals and offering til (sesame) and til-based sweets. The fast symbolizes devotion, patience, protection, and spiritual blessings.

Families and devotees also perform evening puja (worship) once the moon becomes visible. This includes offering water, flowers, and other sacred items — a practice rooted in centuries-old beliefs about divine benevolence and protection from obstacles.

What to Do If Moonrise Is Delayed or Not Visible

Weather conditions like cloud cover can sometimes make the moon hard to spot. In such cases, religious authorities and traditional calendars often recommend referring to the official moonrise time in your region and offering symbolic prayers accordingly. This ensures that devotees can still complete the ritual respectfully, even if the moon itself is obscured.

Final Thoughts

Tonight’s Sakat Chauth moonrise is a focal point of devotion for many households across India. With moonrise times varying slightly from region to region, pilgrims and families are actively checking local updates to time their prayers and offerings accurately. Whether observed with large gatherings or intimate family rituals, the moon’s arrival continues to be a spiritually significant moment for devotees this January 6, 2026.