Shashthi Tithi षष्ठी
The 6th lunar day · deity Kartikeya · Nanda tithi
Shashthi (षष्ठी) is the 6th lunar day (tithi), presided over by Kartikeya and counted a Nanda tithi (joyful — good for celebrations, art and pleasure). Shashthi, the sixth tithi, is dedicated to Kartikeya and to progeny and health. The tithi prevailing at sunrise is applied to the whole day in the panchang.
Key takeaways
- Presiding deity: Kartikeya.
- Nature: Nanda — joyful — good for celebrations, art and pleasure.
- A Nanda tithi observed for children's well-being, health and courage.
- Occurs in both the Shukla and Krishna paksha each lunar month.
Shashthi at a glance
| Presiding deity | Kartikeya |
| Nature | Nanda — joyful — good for celebrations, art and pleasure |
| Position | 6th tithi of each paksha |
What is Shashthi tithi?
Shashthi, the sixth tithi, is dedicated to Kartikeya and to progeny and health. As a lunar day, Shashthi can begin or end at any clock time, so the panchang uses the Shashthi that is running at sunrise.
Presiding deity of Shashthi
It is presided over by Skanda (Kartikeya). Worship and vrats on Shashthi are directed to this deity.
Nature: a Nanda tithi
Shashthi belongs to the Nanda group of tithis, which are joyful — good for celebrations, art and pleasure. The five natures — Nanda, Bhadra, Jaya, Rikta and Purna — repeat through the fortnight and help decide which activities a day suits.
Festivals and observances on Shashthi
Skanda Shashthi and Chhath Puja (Kartik Shukla Shashthi) fall on Shashthi.
- Chhath Puja (Sandhya Arghya) — Kartik Shukla Shashthi — the main evening of Chhath
- Skanda / Kumara Shashthi — Shukla Shashthi, dedicated to Kartikeya
- Surya Shashthi — Bhadrapada Shukla Shashthi
- Champa Shashthi — Margashirsha Shukla Shashthi
Festivals fixed to Shashthi recur every year but on shifting Gregorian dates; several also depend on the lunar month and paksha. Confirm this year's dates on the festivals and calendar pages or your local panchang.
What Shashthi tithi is good for
A Nanda tithi observed for children's well-being, health and courage. Combine the tithi with a favourable nakshatra, an auspicious choghadiya and the weekday, avoiding Rahu Kaal, when choosing a muhurat.
Shashthi in the panchang
You can see whether today is Shashthi on any city's daily panchang, and find upcoming Shashthi dates on the panchang calendar. Learn about all the tithis, the 27 nakshatras, or read the complete panchang guide.
Tithi attributes follow traditional sources; for religious observance confirm the exact tithi and timings with your local panchang.
Common questions
Which deity rules Shashthi tithi?
Shashthi tithi is presided over by Kartikeya. It is presided over by Skanda (Kartikeya).
What festivals fall on Shashthi?
Skanda Shashthi and Chhath Puja (Kartik Shukla Shashthi) fall on Shashthi.
Is Shashthi a good tithi?
A Nanda tithi observed for children's well-being, health and courage.
What is a tithi?
A tithi is a lunar day — the time for the Moon to move 12° from the Sun. A lunar month has 30 tithis, 15 in the waxing Shukla paksha and 15 in the waning Krishna paksha.
What is a Nanda tithi?
Nanda tithis are joyful — good for celebrations, art and pleasure. Shashthi is one of them.