Kandha Sashti 2024 Date: How To Fast & Other Details About Viratham Dedicated To Lord Muruga

Kandha Sashti, also known as Kanda Shasthi Vratam, is an important observance dedicated to Lord Muruga and takes place during the Tamil month of Aippasi. This year, the six-day festival began on November 2. During this period, devotees observe various forms of fasting to honor the deity, although the practices vary widely among individuals.

The common customs observed during Skanda Shasti include abstaining from non-vegetarian food, with many devotees also avoiding garlic and onions.

Rituals are focused on spiritual practices, with devotees often reciting scriptures such as the Kanta Shasti Kavasam or Subramaniya Bhujangam and visiting Skanda temples.

Fasting customs vary, with some devotees taking a single meal either at noon or night, while others restrict themselves to fruits and juices. For many, Skanda Shasti is an opportunity to cleanse the body, with some devotees choosing to consume only water, coconut water, or fruit juices throughout the period.

The fasting concludes on the sixth day, a momentous day for the renowned Tiruchendur Murugan Temple in Tamil Nadu's Thoothukudi district, which will host the grand Soorasamharam (symbolic annihilation of the demon) on November 7 at the seashore.

The following day, November 8, the Thirukalyanam (celestial wedding) will take place. Lakhs of devotees are expected to flock to the sea-facing shrine to witness the ceremonies and partake in the spiritual festivities.