Subramanya Shasthi, also known as Skanda Subramanya Shasthi is an important festival for that is dedicated to Lord Subramanya (Skanda). It is observed on the ‘Shashti’ (6th day) tithi during the Shukla Paksha (the bright fortnight of moon) in the month of ‘Margashira’. Subramanya Sashti is a major festival dedicated to Lord Subramanya, who is also known Kartikeya, Murugan, Shanmukha and Skanda. Devotees dedicate this day to Lord Murugan by reading His stories and singing bhajans and kirtans in the praise of their lord.  

This festival is dedicated to Lord Shiva who incarnated on the form of ferocious warrior Khandoba and Lord Khandoba saved people from the demons named Malla and his younger brother Mani. The day is marked as the victory of Khandoba (Incarnation of Lord Shiva) over these two evil brothers. Lord Kartikeya is worshipped and a fast is observed on this day to honour him. Champa Shashthi is a significant day in Maharashtra. On Champa Shashthi, you must perform Mangal Dosha worship as Lord Kartikeya is regarded as the king of Mars.

Skanda Sashti corresponds to the birth day of Lord Kartikeya or Subramanya also called as Muruga in Tamil.  Skanda Sashti is known as Kanda Shashti is celebrated to worship Lord Skanda, who is an avatar of Lord Kartikeya, son of Lord Shiva and Parvati. During this Sashti, devotees keep vratam, observe fast, sing Skanda Sashti Kavacham, and perform Sabramanya Shasti Pooja. It is one of the major southern festivals that glorifies Lord Skanda or Sabramanya. So far as Skanda Sashti Vratam is concerned, the auspicious tithi is when Sashti Tithi happens with Panchami Tithi. Skanda Sashti Vratam may be observed on Panchami Tithi.