Krittika Dates 2026

Krittika Vratam is a monthly-recurring observance dedicated to Lord Skanda (Murugan, Kartikeya, Subramanya) on the day Krittika Nakshatra prevails, recurring roughly every 27 to 28 days, about thirteen times a year. Krittika Nakshatra, ruled by Agni, is closely associated with Kartikeya's birth story (raised by the six Krittika mothers, hence one of his names Shanmukha/Kartikeya). Devotees observe a fast and offer prayers to Murugan on this day seeking courage, protection and spiritual growth.