Sunday, February 22, brings the auspicious Skanda Shashti, celebrating Lord Skanda (Kartikeya, Subrahmanya), progeny of Shiva-Parvati. This fast excels for begetting children, vanquishing rivals, sharpening minds, and boosting stamina—earning the alias Kanda Shashti.
Per Drik Panchang, Shukla Panchami ends 11:09 AM, Shashti begins; sunrise 6:53 AM, sunset 6:16 PM, Ashwini till 5:54 PM. Tithi blend supports worship flexibility, favoring Shashti; full day Panchami per udayatithi.
Please with yellow petals, agarbatti, diya, potato-shakarkandi naivedya, fruits. Phalahar or single bhog; vrat opens after evening rituals. Yields desire fruition, life force renewal.
Shubh slots: 5:12-6:03 AM Brahm, 12:12-12:58 PM Abhijit, 2:29-3:14 PM Vijay, 6:14-6:39 PM Godhuli, 11:04-12:35 PM Amrit. Sarvartha Siddhi 6:53 AM-5:54 PM into Ravi Yoga to Feb 23 6:52 AM—prime for all sacred acts, new beginnings.
Rahukalam 4:51-6:16 PM, Yamagandam 12:35-2 PM, Gulikai 3:25-4:51 PM, Durmuhurtham 4:45-5:31 PM are no-gos. Navigate these with precision for Skanda’s choicest blessings.