Skanda Sashti: Skanda, a beloved deity in Hinduism, holds special reverence among Tamil Hindus. Also known as Murugan, Kartikeyan, and Subramanya, he is the son of Shiva and Parvati. Shasti, alternatively spelled as ‘Shashti’, holds great importance, particularly among Tamil Hindus, as it’s dedicated to the worship of Lord Murugan. Devotees fast on this day, seeking blessings for a joyful and prosperous life.
The fasting starts at sunrise and ends the next day after offering prayers to the Sun God. Shasti occurs on the sixth day of each lunar fortnight in the traditional Hindu calendar. For more information, including dates and historical significance, continue reading below.
Skanda Sashti in May 2024
Shasti, a significant day in the Hindu calendar, falls twice a month, specifically on the sixth day of both the waxing (Shukla Paksha) and waning (Krishna Paksha) phases of the moon. During the Krishna Paksha, it holds special importance as it’s dedicated to Lord Subrahmanya or Lord Murugan. So, each month brings two opportunities to celebrate Shasti, with one dedicated to these revered deities.
Skanda Sashti in May 2024 Date and Time
Celebrate Skanda Sashti, a major Hindu festival, on Monday, May 13. Check out the auspicious timings according to Drik Panchang to make the most of this special occasion:
| Skanda Sashti in May 2024 Date and Time | ||
|---|---|---|
| Date | Event | Time |
| May 13 | Begins | 2:03 AM |
| May 14 | Ends | 2:50 AM |
Skanda Sashti Rituals
Skanda Sashti is a special time when people honor Lord Murugan. You can do this at home or by visiting Murugan temples. During this period, it’s customary to avoid eating meat, drinking alcohol, or doing things just for pleasure. Instead, devotees spend time reading stories about Lord Murugan and chanting his mantras.
During Skanda Sashti, we also pay homage to goddess Parvati and god Shiva. People light candles and find a special place for Lord Murugan’s idol. They might clean the idol with holy water or milk, dress it in new clothes, and offer food or sweets as gifts. Sometimes, they make special requests to Lord Murugan and play devotional songs.
It’s a time of reverence and spiritual connection, where people express their love and devotion to Lord Murugan and seek his blessings for themselves and their loved ones.
Skanda Sashti Significance
Skanda Sashti is a special day for Tamil culture, marking the birth of Lord Kartikeya, who is also known as Subramanya or Muruga. It happens on the sixth day of the bright fortnight in the month of Kartika, which is usually around October or November. This day is deeply rooted in Hindu traditions and is named after one of Lord Subramanya’s famous names, Skanda.
People who follow this tradition often fast on Skanda Sashti to show their respect and devotion to Lord Subramanya. In Tamil Nadu, where people have a strong connection to Muruga, temples hold big celebrations during this time. It’s a time for communities to come together to pray, celebrate, and honor the divine birth of Lord Kartikeya. It’s a special occasion filled with spiritual significance for many people.
Skanda Sashti Dates in 2024
Here’s a table showing the dates and timing of Shashthi Tithi (sixth day of the lunar month) throughout the year:
| Skanda Sashti Dates in 2024 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Date | Day | Timing |
| January 16 | Tuesday | Jan 16, 2:17 AM – Jan 16, 11:58 PM |
| February 15 | Thursday | Feb 14, 12:10 PM – Feb 15, 10:13 AM |
| March 15 | Friday | Mar 14, 11:26 PM – Mar 15, 10:09 PM |
| April 14 | Sunday | Apr 13, 12:04 PM – Apr 14, 11:44 AM |
| May 13 | Monday | May 13, 2:04 AM – May 14, 2:50 AM |
| June 12 | Wednesday | Jun 11, 5:27 PM – Jun 12, 7:17 PM |
| July 12 | Friday | Jul 11, 10:04 AM – Jul 12, 12:33 PM |
| August 10 | Saturday | Aug 10, 3:14 AM – Aug 11, 5:45 AM |
| September 9 | Monday | Sep 08, 7:58 PM – Sep 09, 9:53 PM |
| October 9 | Wednesday | Oct 08, 11:18 AM – Oct 09, 12:14 PM |
| November 7 | Thursday | Nov 07, 12:41 AM – Nov 08, 12:35 AM |
| December 7 | Saturday | Dec 06, 12:08 PM – Dec 07, 11:06 AM |
| Related Links | |
|---|---|
| Akshaya Tritiya 2024 | Matangi Jayanti 2024 |
| World Lupus Day 2024 | Mother’s Day 2024 |
| National Technology Day 2024 | International Nurses Day 2024 |
Skanda Sashti in May 2024 FAQs
Q.1. What is Skanda Sashti?
Ans. Skanda Sashti celebrates Lord Murugan’s birth, observed with fasting and prayers, particularly by Tamil Hindus, seeking blessings for a prosperous life.
Q.2. When is Skanda Sashti in May 2024?
Ans. Skanda Sashti falls on Monday, May 13, starting at 2:03 AM and concluding on May 14 at 2:50 AM, as per Drik Panchang timings.
Q.3. How do people celebrate Skanda Sashti?
Ans. People honor Lord Murugan by fasting, visiting temples, reading his stories, chanting mantras, lighting candles, and offering prayers and sweets.
Q.4. What is the significance of Skanda Sashti?
Ans. Skanda marks Lord Murugan’s birth and holds deep spiritual significance, fostering devotion among Tamil Hindus and uniting communities in prayer.
Q.5. Are there other dates for Skanda Sashti in 2024?
Ans. Yes, Skanda occurs monthly, with dates listed throughout the year, providing multiple opportunities for devotees to celebrate and seek blessings.
