Posted by Soultheory Editorial Team
on October 28, 2026
Skanda Sashti 2026 falls on Sunday, 15 November 2026, and it closes the six-day Kanda Sashti vratam that begins on Tuesday, 10 Nov. This final day is Soorasamharam, when Lord Murugan is traditionally believed to have defeated the asura Surapadman with his Vel. For Tamil families, it is one of the most important days of the Aippasi month, and temples from Tiruchendur to Palani fill with devotees who have fasted all week. Here is the date and tithi, the day-by-day vrat plan, the fasting rules most families follow, and what to wear while you observe it.
Skanda Sashti 2026 date and Shashthi tithi timings
Soorasamharam is on Sun, 15 Nov, with Thiru Kalyanam the next day. The Shashthi tithi runs from 11:23 PM on 14 Nov to 02:00 AM on 16 Nov (Drik Panchang, New Delhi), and Prokerala gives almost the same window for Ujjain (11:24 PM to 02:01 AM). Because the tithi covers the whole of Sunday from sunrise, every major calendar marks Sunday as Soorasamharam this year.
| Day | Date | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Tue, 10 Nov | Kanda Sashti vratam begins, kappu (sacred thread) tied at many temples |
| Day 2 | Wed, 11 Nov | Daily abhishekam and Kanda Sashti Kavasam recitation |
| Day 3 | Thu, 12 Nov | Fast continues, evening temple visit |
| Day 4 | Fri, 13 Nov | Daily abhishekam, japa of "Om Saravanabhava" |
| Day 5 | Sat, 14 Nov | Shashthi tithi begins at night (11:23 PM) |
| Day 6 | Sun, 15 Nov | Soorasamharam, the victory over Surapadman |
| Day 7 | Mon, 16 Nov | Thiru Kalyanam, Murugan's wedding with Deivanai, fast is broken |
What is Skanda Sashti and why Soorasamharam matters
Skanda Sashti celebrates Lord Kartikeya, known in Tamil Nadu as Murugan, Skanda, Subramanya and Shanmukha (the six-faced one). According to the Skanda Purana and the Tamil Kanda Puranam, the asura Surapadman troubled the devas, and Murugan was born from the sparks of Lord Shiva's third eye to end that suffering. The battle is traditionally believed to have lasted six days, which is why the vrat runs for six days and ends on the Shashthi tithi.
The most famous Soorasamharam enactment takes place on the beach at the Tiruchendur Murugan Temple, one of the Six Abodes of Murugan. In the evening, the utsava murti of Murugan is carried out to the shore and the defeat of Surapadman is staged in front of lakhs of devotees. Per Tamil tradition, Surapadman was not destroyed but transformed: he became the peacock that Murugan rides and the rooster on his flag. That detail is why many families see the day less as a story of destruction and more as one about inner ego being turned into devotion.
Skanda Sashti is not the same as Chhath
Chhath Puja is also on Sun, 15 Nov this year, since both fall on Kartik Shukla Shashthi. They are different observances: Chhath honours Surya and Chhathi Maiya in Bihar and eastern UP, while Skanda Sashti honours Murugan in Tamil Nadu and the South. If your family observes Chhath, our Chhath Puja 2026 guide covers those four days.
Kanda Sashti vrat rules: how families observe the six days
There is no single rule book, and practice varies by family and temple. These are the customs most commonly followed in Tamil homes:
- Wake before sunrise, bathe, and light a lamp before Murugan's picture or Vel
- Recite the Kanda Shasti Kavasam once or more each day
- Eat one simple meal a day, or only fruit, milk and water, as your health allows
- Avoid rice through the six days if that is your family custom (many do)
- Keep the kitchen sattvic: no meat, eggs, onion or garlic for the week
- Visit a Murugan temple in the evening, especially on Day 6
- Break the fast after watching Soorasamharam, or on the morning of Thiru Kalyanam
- Offer something to others, such as panchamirtham or a meal to a temple helper
What to offer Murugan during Skanda Sashti
Traditional offerings that families keep ready for the week:
- Red and yellow flowers, especially red oleander (arali) and kadamba
- Panchamirtham, the Palani-style mix of banana, jaggery, ghee, honey and cardamom
- Vibhuti (sacred ash) and sandalwood paste
- Fresh fruit, especially bananas and pomegranates
- A ghee lamp lit at sunrise and sunset each day
- Sugar candy (kalkandu) and a small bowl of milk
What to wear on Skanda Sashti
Murugan is traditionally associated with red, saffron and gold, and many devotees wear these shades through the week, with a red or orange veshti, saree or dupatta on Soorasamharam day. Freshly washed cotton is preferred for temple visits, and many people keep their forehead marked with vibhuti and a dot of kumkum.
For spiritual jewellery, two pieces carry a specific link to Murugan in tradition:
Six mukhi rudraksha, the Shanmukha bead
The 6 mukhi rudraksha is traditionally associated with Lord Kartikeya himself, since its six natural faces mirror his six faces as Shanmukha. Families who keep Kanda Sashti often wear it from Day 1, after a simple wash in water and a few rounds of "Om Saravanabhava". Our full 6 mukhi rudraksha guide covers how it is traditionally worn and who it suits.
Karungali malai with a Vel pendant
Karungali (ebony wood) malai is widely worn in Tamil Nadu and is traditionally believed to offer protection. A Karungali malai carrying a Vel pendant brings together the wood many Tamil devotees trust and Murugan's own weapon, which is why it is a popular choice for Skanda Sashti. You can read more about the Om Vel Trishul Karungali malai and its meaning.
Recommended Soultheory pieces for Skanda Sashti
These are pieces from the Soultheory range that fit this festival well. Each is available today.
Lord Murugan Karungali Malai with silver and gold cap
A certified karungali malai with a Lord Murugan pendant, made for devotees who want Murugan close to the heart through the six days. It sits well with temple wear and daily wear alike. View the Lord Murugan Karungali Malai.
Murugan Om Vel Trishul Karungali Malai
This malai carries the Om, Vel and Trishul together, a natural fit for Soorasamharam, when the Vel is at the centre of the story. View the Om Vel Trishul Karungali Malai.
6 Mukhi Rudraksha Bracelet in pure copper
A Nepali 6 mukhi rudraksha set in a pure copper bracelet, for those who prefer the Shanmukha bead on the wrist rather than a mala. View the 6 Mukhi Rudraksha Bracelet.
Rudraksha Mala with 108+1 beads
If you plan to chant "Om Saravanabhava" through the vrat, a 108+1 bead rudraksha mala keeps your count steady during japa. View the Rudraksha Mala 108+1.
For more designs, browse the full Karungali malai collection.
FAQ: Skanda Sashti 2026
When is Skanda Sashti in 2026?
Soorasamharam falls on Sunday, 15 Nov, with the Shashthi tithi from 11:23 PM on 14 Nov to 02:00 AM on 16 Nov (Drik Panchang). The six-day Kanda Sashti vratam begins on Tuesday, 10 Nov, and Thiru Kalyanam is on Monday, 16 Nov.
Can I eat during the Kanda Sashti fast?
Yes, most families do. Common forms are one meal a day, fruit and milk only, or skipping rice for six days. Choose what your health allows, and speak to your doctor first if you have a medical condition or are pregnant.
When should I break the Skanda Sashti fast?
Most devotees break the fast after watching Soorasamharam on the evening of Day 6, or on the morning of Thiru Kalyanam the next day. Follow your family or temple custom.
Which rudraksha is associated with Lord Murugan?
The 6 mukhi rudraksha is traditionally associated with Lord Kartikeya, because its six faces mirror his six faces as Shanmukha. Many devotees also wear a karungali malai with a Vel pendant during the festival.
Is Skanda Sashti the same day as Chhath Puja in 2026?
Yes, both fall on Sun, 15 Nov because both are observed on Kartik Shukla Shashthi, but they honour different deities. Skanda Sashti is for Murugan, while Chhath is for Surya and Chhathi Maiya.
Whether you keep all six days or simply light a lamp on Soorasamharam evening, the vrat is traditionally believed to reward sincerity over strictness. From all of us at Soultheory, may Murugan's Vel clear the path ahead for you and your family. Vetrivel Muruganukku Arogara.
Important note: Information shared here reflects traditional Vedic beliefs and cultural practices. Individual experiences vary. This content is for educational and cultural purposes only - it is not medical, financial, or psychological advice. Consult qualified professionals for health, financial, or other personal decisions.
