The six days of Kanda Sashti end in Soorasamharam. This guide covers the 2026 dates, the different ways families keep the vratham, and the pooja items most homes use.
தமிழில் படிக்க →- Vratham begins: Tuesday, 10 November 2026.
- Soorasamharam (Skanda Sashti): Sunday, 15 November 2026.
- Sashti tithi: from about 11:23 PM on 14 November until about 2:00 AM on 16 November.
Kanda Sashti is one of the most important festivals for devotees of Lord Murugan. It falls in the Tamil month of Aippasi and begins on the day after the new moon (Amavasya) that follows Deepavali. In 2026 that is 10 November. On the sixth day, Soorasamharam, temples re-enact Murugan's victory over the demon Soorapadman. The best-known celebration is at Tiruchendur.
For families in our district this festival is especially close to home. Palani, one of Murugan's six abodes (Arupadai Veedu), is in Dindigul district, and many local families visit during these days.
1. How families observe the vratham
There is no single way to keep the Kanda Sashti vratham. You will see these practices in Tamil homes:
- Fasting in different forms. Some devotees eat one meal a day. Some take only fruits and milk. A few observe a stricter fast on Soorasamharam day. Many families avoid onion, garlic and non-vegetarian food for all six days.
- A lamp morning and evening in the pooja room, with prayers to Murugan.
- Reading or listening to Kanda Sashti Kavacham and other Murugan hymns, often every day of the vratham.
- Visiting a Murugan temple, especially on Soorasamharam day.
- Ending the fast after Soorasamharam or the next morning, as the family's custom decides. At Tiruchendur and many other Murugan temples, Thirukalyanam (the divine wedding) is celebrated the day after Soorasamharam.
2. Pooja items for the six days
Most homes use simple, everyday pooja items. Stock up once and you are set for all six days.
Lamp and aarti
- Sesame oil or cow ghee, and cotton wicks, for the morning and evening lamp.
- Camphor for aarti, and a matchbox.
Vibhuti, sandal and kumkum
Many Murugan devotees wear vibhuti every day of the vratham. Sandal paste and kumkum are offered in the pooja too.
Incense and sambrani
You will also need fresh flowers, betel leaves, areca nut and fruits. Buy these fresh each day or every other day.
3. Panchamirtham and naivedyam
Panchamirtham is closely linked with Murugan worship, and Palani's panchamirtham is famous across Tamil Nadu. At home, recipes differ from family to family. Common ingredients are banana, jaggery, honey, ghee and cardamom. Some families also add dates, raisins or sugar candy.
For other naivedyam, such as sweet pongal or payasam, keep raw rice, jaggery, ghee, cashews and a pinch of edible camphor ready.
4. Kanda Sashti checklist
| Item | Tamil name | Used for | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sesame oil / cow ghee | நல்லெண்ணெய் / நெய் | Daily lamp | Oil · Ghee |
| Cotton wicks | விளக்கு திரி | Daily lamp | View |
| Camphor | சூடம் | Aarti | Tablets · Block |
| Vibhuti | விபூதி | Daily wear, pooja | View |
| Sandalwood powder + rose water | சந்தனம் + பன்னீர் | Sandal paste | Sandal · Rose water |
| Kumkum | குங்குமம் | Pooja | View |
| Incense, sambrani | பத்தி, சாம்பிராணி | Dhoopam | Pathi · Sambrani |
| Honey, jaggery, cardamom | தேன், வெல்லம், ஏலக்காய் | Panchamirtham | Honey · Jaggery · Cardamom |
| Dates, raisins, sugar candy | பேரீச்சை, கிஸ்மிஸ், கல்கண்டு | Panchamirtham (optional) | Dates · Raisins · Kalkandu |
| Flowers, bananas, fruits | பூ, வாழைப்பழம், பழம் | Pooja, panchamirtham | Buy fresh locally |
Getting ready for Kanda Sashti?
The vratham starts on 10 November, so please order a little early. Delivery typically takes 3–7 business days depending on your location (see our Shipping Policy).
In Dindigul? Visit us at 44, VM Complex, Big Bazaar Street, Begambur. We are open Monday to Saturday, 9 AM to 9 PM, and closed on Sundays.
Shop vibhuti, kumkum & camphorCall 99420 38038Common questions
When does Kanda Sashti start in 2026?
According to Drik Panchang for Chennai, the vratham begins on Tuesday, 10 November 2026, and Soorasamharam is on Sunday, 15 November 2026. Your local temple or panchangam may announce slightly different timings.
How many days is the Kanda Sashti vratham?
Most families observe it for six days, ending on Soorasamharam. Some devotees keep a longer vratham according to their own vow. Follow your family's custom or your temple's guidance.
Do I have to fast completely?
No. Families observe the vratham in many ways, from one meal a day to fruits and milk. Please don't fast if your health does not allow it. Prayer and a simple daily lamp are part of the vratham too.
Can you supply items for a temple or group pooja?
Yes. Share the list from your priest or temple, and call us on 99420 38038 to put the order together.
More festival guides
Date source: Drik Panchang Soorasamharam page and day panchangam for Chennai, checked on 13 October 2026. This guide describes common practice. Vratham customs vary by family and community.