About Skanda Sashti/Kanda Sashti/Soorasamharam/Surasamharam:
Skanda Sashti or Kanda Sashti, mainly observed by Tamil Hindus is the most significant festival dedicated to Lord Murugan. Skanda Sashti falls on the sixth day of Karthika Masam and it is usually determined based on lunar month.
Devotees of Lord Murugan observe six days fasting during Kanda Sashti, which begins on the first day or Pirathamai of Karthika lunar month and concludes on the sixth day, which is popularly known as Soorasamharam day. Soorasamharam is the most significant day of the six days celebration. It is on this day Lord Murugan defeated Demon Surapadman and hence Soorasamharam is observed every year to celebrate the victory of good over evil.
It may be noted that the Soorasamharam day is decided as the day when Shasti Tithi is associated with Panjami Tithi. Due to this, most of the temples observe Kanda Sashti on Panjami Tithi if Shasti Tithi starts before sunset on Panjami Tithi.
Kanda Sashti is celebrated in a grand style at Thiruchendur Murugan Temple. The six days celebrations begins on Pirathamai of Karthika Month and concludes on Soorasamharam day. Thiru Kalyanam is celebrated on the next day of Soorasamharam.
2017 to 2030 Skanda Sashti/Soorasamharam Dates:
Soorasamharam Wednesday 25th October 2017
Kanda Shasti Vratam Starts on Friday 20th October 2017
Soorasamharam Tuesday 13th November 2018
Kanda Shasti Vratam Starts on Thursday 8th November 2018
Soorasamharam Saturday 2nd November 2019
Kanda Shasti Vratam Starts on Monday 28th October 2019
Soorasamharam Friday 20th November 2020
Kanda Shasti Vratam Starts on Monday 16th November 2020
Soorasamharam Tuesday 9th November 2021
Kanda Shasti Vratam Starts on Friday 5th November 2021
Soorasamharam Sunday 30th October 2022
Kanda Shasti Vratam Starts on Wednesday 26th October 2022
Soorasamharam Saturday 18th November 2023
Kanda Shasti Vratam Starts on Tuesday 14th November 2023
Soorasamharam Thursday 7th November 2024
Kanda Shasti Vratam Starts on Saturday 2nd November 2024
Soorasamharam Monday 27th October 2025
Kanda Shasti Vratam Starts on Wednesday 22nd October 2025
Soorasamharam Sunday 15th November 2026
Kanda Shasti Vratam Starts on Tuesday 10th November 2026
Soorasamharam Thursday 4th November 2027
Kanda Shasti Vratam Starts on Saturday 30th October 2027
Soorasamharam Monday 23rd October 2028
Kanda Shasti Vratam Starts on Wednesday18th October 2028
Soorasamharam Sunday 11th November 2029
Kanda Shasti Vratam Starts on Tuesday 6th November 2029
Soorasamharam Thursday 31st October 2030
Kanda Shasti Vratam Starts on Sunday 27th October 2030
