Skanda Sashti

The Story

Skanda Sashti celebrates the victory of Lord Murugan (Kartikeya / Skanda) over the demon Surapadman. The demon had imprisoned the gods and brought chaos to the three worlds. Shiva and Parvati gave birth to Murugan specifically to destroy this evil. Over six days of battle, Murugan finally vanquished Surapadman on the sixth day (Sashti), splitting him into two — one half became the peacock (Murugan's vehicle) and the other became the rooster (on his flag). The festival is observed with six days of fasting.

Vidhi · How It's Done

• Observe a six-day fast (some eat only once; others fast completely on Sashti day)
• Recite Kanda Sashti Kavasam daily during the six days
• Visit Murugan temples daily — Palani, Tiruchendur, Swamimalai are the most sacred
• On the sixth day (Soorasamharam): witness the dramatized re-enactment of the battle and Surapadman's destruction
• Break the fast with pure vegetarian food after the puja
• Observe Kavadi — carrying a decorated arch as a form of devotional suffering

Key Mantras

• ॐ शरवणभव
• ॐ षडाननाय नमः
• ॐ स्कन्दाय नमः

Bhog · Festival Foods

Panchaamirtham (at Palani temple) · Vel-shaped puffed rice · Fruits and milk for fasting

Regional Variants

• · Tiruchendur and Palani witness massive gatherings for Soorasamharam
• · Tamil diaspora in Singapore, Malaysia, and South Africa celebrate on a large scale
• · Some devotees take Vel yatra — walking to Murugan temples barefoot for 6 days

Frequently Asked

When is Skanda Sashti in 2026?

Skanda Sashti is listed for November 14, 2026 (Saturday) — tentative Kanda Sashti / Soora Samharam season date; confirm with the local Tamil temple calendar. in India, Sri Lanka. Always confirm local panchang or official holiday notices for regional date variations.

Is Skanda Sashti a public holiday?

Public holiday status for Skanda Sashti in India, Sri Lanka can vary by country, state, institution, and local calendar. Check official holiday notices for your location.

Why is Skanda Sashti celebrated?

Skanda Sashti celebrates the victory of Lord Murugan (Kartikeya / Skanda) over the demon Surapadman. The demon had imprisoned the gods and brought chaos to the three worlds.

How is Skanda Sashti celebrated at home?

Observe a six-day fast (some eat only once; others fast completely on Sashti day) Recite Kanda Sashti Kavasam daily during the six days Visit Murugan temples daily — Palani, Tiruchendur, Swamimalai are the most sacred On the…

What food or prasad is prepared for Skanda Sashti?

Common foods and offerings include Panchaamirtham (at Palani temple), Vel-shaped puffed rice, Fruits and milk for fasting.

What are the regional names of Skanda Sashti?

Skanda Sashti is also associated with names or regional forms such as स्कन्दषष्ठी, Tiruchendur and Palani witness massive gatherings for Soorasamharam, Tamil diaspora in Singapore, Malaysia, and South Africa celebrate on a large scale, Some devotees take Vel yatra — walking to Murugan temples barefoot for 6 days.

Dates · Next 5 Years