Panchangam 13 December 2026, Sunday: Krichchhra Chaturthi, Shukla Chaturthi and Ganesha Puja (Hyderabad)

Quick answer: Sunday 13 December 2026 is Margasira Shukla Chaturthi, listed by Drik Panchang as Krichchhra Chaturthi. In Hyderabad Chaturthi lasts from sunrise (06:37 AM) until 04:47 PM; Shravana nakshatra continues through the day and night (until 09:12 AM on 14 December). Worship Lord Ganesha in the morning or at midday, with a simple fast if you wish.

Every bright-half Chaturthi belongs to Ganesha, and this one, in Krishna's own month of Margasira, carries a name that points to simplicity: krichchhra, an austere observance. You do not need anything elaborate. A clean altar, a few blades of durva grass and an unhurried prayer are the spirit of the day.

For the full home ritual, see our Vinayaka vrata vidhanam, and for the year's great festival, Vinayaka Chavithi 2026.

Today's panchang (Hyderabad)

Chaturthi covers the morning and midday, the traditional time for Ganesha worship, and gives way to Panchami at 04:47 PM. Tomorrow's Panchami is Vivah Panchami.

Religious significance

Ganesha and Chaturthi. The fourth tithi of each fortnight is dedicated to Lord Ganesha: the Krishna paksha Chaturthi is Sankashti, and the Shukla paksha Chaturthi is commonly kept as Vinayaka Chaturthi. Ganesha is worshipped first in every ritual as Vighneshvara, the lord who removes obstacles, and as the giver of wisdom.

Krichchhra Chaturthi. Drik Panchang gives this Chaturthi the name Krichchhra. The word appears in Dharmashastra literature for strict penitential fasts, but we have not found a widely standardised ritual specific to this Chaturthi in Telugu household practice. Most devotees therefore keep it as a Ganesha Chaturthi with extra simplicity: plain food or a fast, fewer distractions, and more prayer. If your family or temple has a specific tradition, follow it.

Sunday and Shravana. Sunday is the Sun's day, and Shravana nakshatra is traditionally associated with Vishnu; its name means 'hearing'. Listening, to a teacher, to scripture, to one another, is a lovely theme for a quiet Chaturthi. Many devotees listen to a Ganesha stotram rather than reciting it themselves.

Simple Ganesha puja at home

1. Bathe and set up a picture or small idol of Ganesha on a clean cloth.
2. Offer water, sandal paste or turmeric, red flowers and durva grass, traditionally in bunches of three or more blades.
3. Light a ghee lamp and incense. Chant the mantra below 108 times, or recite the Ganesha Pancharatnam.
4. Offer naivedya such as modak, laddu, jaggery or a banana, then perform aarti.
5. Offer arghya to the Sun as well, since it is Sunday, if that is your custom.
6. Distribute the prasad and, if fasting, break the fast after the evening prayer or as your family does.

No materials? Draw a simple Om or a small image of Ganesha, place a flower or a leaf before it, and chant his name. Durva and modak are cherished customs; sincerity is the essential.

Mantra for the day

Oṁ Gaṁ Gaṇapataye Namaḥ

Meaning: 'Om, salutations to Ganapati'. Gam is Ganesha's seed syllable, and this is one of his most widely chanted mantras. Repeat it with attention, especially at the start of any task you want to begin well.

For longer practices, see the Ganesha Pancharatnam stotram with meaning and the Ganesha Gayatri mantra.

Vrat guidance

In keeping with the name, some devotees take only fruit and milk until the evening, while others eat one simple meal without onion and garlic. A Chaturthi fast is usually closed after the evening prayer. These are customs: elders, pregnant women, children and anyone with diabetes or another medical condition should eat normally and consult a doctor before fasting.

What you can do today

• Offer durva grass and a modak or sweet to Ganesha before 04:47 PM, while Chaturthi prevails.
• Keep the day simple: one plain meal or a light fast, in the spirit of krichchhra.
• Listen to a Ganesha stotram or the Ganesha Sahasranama, in the spirit of Shravana.
• Offer arghya to the Sun at sunrise.
• Begin a pending project or study task after the morning puja.
• Prepare for tomorrow's Vivah Panchami: a flower or garland for Sita and Rama.
• Feed a cow, a bird or a hungry person in Ganesha's name.

For families and children

Ganesha is every child's favourite. Let them make a small Ganesha from turmeric paste or clay, decorate it with a flower and offer it a sweet. Tell them the story of Ganesha and Kartikeya racing around the world, where Ganesha simply circled his parents, and ask what it means to them.

Hindus abroad: tithi at local sunrise

Computed with HinduTone's panchang calculator, validated against Drik Panchang; festival dates abroad can differ by a day — follow your temple's panchang. The India clock times on this page are for Hyderabad only and are not converted to other countries.

Frequently asked questions

When is Krichchhra Chaturthi in 2026?

Drik Panchang lists Krichchhra Chaturthi on Sunday 13 December 2026 for Hyderabad. Margasira Shukla Chaturthi prevails at sunrise (06:37 AM) and ends at 04:47 PM IST, when Panchami begins.

What does Krichchhra mean?

Krichchhra is a Sanskrit word for an austere or difficult observance; Dharmashastra texts use it for certain penitential fasts. The name suggests a Chaturthi kept with extra simplicity and restraint in honour of Ganesha.

Is today also Vinayaka Chaturthi?

Shukla Chaturthi is the tithi on which many families keep the monthly Vinayaka Chaturthi, usually choosing the day when Chaturthi prevails at midday. In Hyderabad that is today, but Drik's listing names the day Krichchhra Chaturthi; check your local panchang or temple for the monthly vrat date.

Should I avoid seeing the moon today?

The well-known custom of not looking at the moon belongs to Bhadrapada Shukla Chaturthi, the great Ganesh Chaturthi. There is no need for worry today; simply worship Ganesha with a calm mind.

How should I fast?

Customs vary from a fast until the evening puja to a single simple meal. Elders, pregnant women, children and anyone with a medical condition should not feel obliged to fast and should consult a doctor.

Is it Chaturthi abroad today?

In London, Dubai, Singapore, Sydney and Frankfurt, Shukla Chaturthi prevails at local sunrise. In New York and Toronto Panchami already prevails at sunrise, so the Ganesha day may fall on 12 December there. Follow your temple's panchang.

A closing thought

Austerity in Ganesha's worship is not hardship for its own sake; it clears space so that wisdom can enter. Keep today light and simple, and let Ganesha remove what stands in the way.

Previous and next day

• Previous day: Saturday 12 December 2026: Shukla Tritiya, Uttara Ashadha
• Next day: Monday 14 December 2026: Naga Panchami (Telugu), Vivah Panchami

Related guides

• Vinayaka vrata vidhanam: Ganesha puja at home
• Ganesha Sahasranama
• December 2026 vrat and fasting calendar
• Margasira Masam 2026 dates and festivals
• December 2026 Hindu festivals, dates and rituals

Editor's note (9 October 2026): Panchang timings and festival observances can vary by location, regional calendar and family tradition. This guide follows Drik Panchang for Hyderabad (IST). Please verify local puja timings with a trusted panchang or priest.