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Skanda Sashti 2024 dates - Muruga Kanda Shasti Festival in 2024

Skanda Sashti festival is dedicated to Hindu God Muruga (Kartikeya or Subramanya). Kanda Sasti is observed in the Tamil Month Aippasi. Skanda Sashti 2024 dates are from November 2 begins with six-day fasting and ends on November 7, 2024 with Soorasamharam. Thirukalyanam is on November 8. Skanda Shasti celebrates the victory of Lord Skanda over demon Surapadman. Tamilians, especially Murugan devotees, around world observe fasting for six days before the festival. It is a major festival in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, other parts of South India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore and South Africa.

Muruga Kanda Shasti Festival


Son of Lord Shiva and Parvati, the divine incarnation of Skanda was to primarily annihilate the demons that had created anarchy on earth and restore Dharma. He was the commander of the army of the Devas.

A six day battle took place with Demon Surapadman and on the sixth day Muruga killed Skanda killed Demon Surapadman (Soorasamharam) with his ‘Vel’ or lance.

Legend has it that Muchukunda, a King South India, was advised by saint Vasishta regarding the correct observances of the Skanda Sashti Vratam.

After observing the Vrata, King Muchukunda became powerful and famous and the fame of his kingdom spread around the three worlds. It is said that the King became so powerful that Lord Indra (the king of demigods) took his help to defeat Asuras.

The fasting of Skanda Shasti begins on the Pradma Thithi after Deepavali in Tamil Nadu. The first day after the Amavasi that follows Deepavali. During the fasting period, devotees confine to a single meal. Some people only fast on the Soorasamharam day. The fasting ends with the Thirukalyanam on the next day.

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