Shashti — observances and vrat guides
Shashti observances are associated in several traditions with Murugan or Skanda, but annual festivals and recurring sixth-tithi vows have different settings. Tamil temple practice, household worship and regional offerings contribute details that are not captured by the tithi alone. The sequence of a multi-day celebration should be distinguished from an individual monthly fast. This collection links the catalog's named Shashti pages with their deity and tradition intact. Readers can compare dates and descriptions while following the guidance of their own temple or family rather than treating every sixth lunar day as the same obligation.
The catalog currently includes 3 distinct entries in this collection. Examples are Skanda Sashti; Hal Shashti (Balarama Jayanti / Lalahi Chhath); Skanda Shashti (Soorasamharam). Their recorded devotional focus includes Lord Murugan (Skanda / Karthikeya); Balarama (Krishna's elder brother); Lord Murugan (Subramanya, Skanda, Karttikeya). Follow the individual links below for the full description, calendar dates, mantra and allowed or avoided foods; each link leads to a dedicated observance page rather than a search result.
Calendar dates are references, not a substitute for the observance rules of your chosen city and community. Lunar days can cross civil-date boundaries, and regional practice can change which day is kept. Meal suggestions are optional ideas for an allowed meal, not instructions to eat during a complete fast. Children, pregnant people and anyone with a medical condition should seek appropriate advice before fasting. Compare the linked guides with your family or temple's practice and choose a discipline suited to your health.
All 3 observances in this collection
- Skanda Sashti — November 10, 2026
Skanda Sashti is a 6-day fast in Karthik month dedicated to Lord Murugan (Karthikeya/Skanda), the son of Shiva. The vrat commemorates Murugan's victory over the demon Surapadman. Especially celebrated at Murugan temples across Tamil Nadu, Andhra, Karnataka, and Kerala with massive processions. The Kanda Shasti Kavasam is chanted throughout.
- Hal Shashti (Balarama Jayanti / Lalahi Chhath) — September 2, 2026
Hal Shashti / Lalahi Chhath / Balarama Jayanti — Bhadrapada Krishna Shashti — the appearance day of Balarama, Krishna's elder brother (whose weapon is the plough — Hal-ayudha). Mothers fast for the long life of their sons (especially elder sons) and avoid all grains/foods grown by ploughed agriculture, eating only pasahar (wild/rain-fed grains) and buffalo dairy.
- Skanda Shashti (Soorasamharam) — November 10, 2026
Skanda Shashti / Kanda Sashti — the six-day vrat culminating in the Soorasamharam (the slaying of the asura Soorapadman by Murugan). Aippasi Shukla Pratipada to Shashti (Oct-Nov). Tiruchendur (one of the Aru Padai Veedu — Murugan's six abodes) hosts the most spectacular Soorasamharam reenactment, attended by over a million devotees. The Kanda Shashti Kavasam is recited continuously across Tamil Nadu.