Kalashtami February 2026: Date, time, puja rituals, significance

Kalashtami is the most sacred day in Hinduism. The day is devoted to honor Lord Kaal Bhairav. This day is considered as the most powerful day to appease Lord Kaal Bhairav. Devotees observe fast from dawn to dusk and visit Kaal Bhairav temple to offer prayers to the Lord. Kalashtami observed every month. Kalashtami is being observed on Ashtami tithi of Krishna Paksha in the month of Phalguna i.e., on February 9, 2026.

Kalashtami 2026: Date and Time

Ashtami Tithi Begins - February 9, 2026 - 05:01 AM
Ashtami Tithi Ends - February 10, 2026 - 07:27 AM

Kalashtami February 2026: Significance

According to Hindi scriptures, Kalashtami is a very important day. Lord Kaal Bhairav, the ferocious form of Lord Shiva, is worshipped on this day, and followers observe fast on this holy day in order to appease him. It is believed that he always shields his followers from all negative energy, when they worship him with devotion and good intentions.

People, who are experiencing any form of black magic, evil eye effects, or negative energy are also encouraged to worship Lord Kaal Bhairav. They can pray to the Lord to take away all forms of suffering.

Devotees should refrain from engaging in any tamasik activities or even consuming tamasikfood on this auspicious day of Kalashtami. They should avoid eating meat, eggs, onions, and garlic, especially if they are fasting or at the Kaal Bhairav temple.

One must worship Lord Kaal Bhairav in order to receive his blessings because he is believed to eliminate all negative elements, including Kaam, (Lust) Krodh, (Anger) Lobh, (Greed) Moh, (Attachment), and Ahankaar (Ego).

Kalashtami February 2026: Puja Rituals

Before beginning puja procedures, devotees should get up early in the morning and take a bath. Before they can worship the Lord, the puja room needs to be cleaned. Next, place an idol or picture of Lord Kaal Bhairav on a wooden plank, light a mustard oil diya, and recite the Kaal Bhairav Ashtakam. Without engaging in any tamasik activities, devotees observe fast frm dawn to dusk. In addition to offering meetha rott asa bhog prasad and seeking the Lord's blessings, many people visit the Kaal Bhairav temple, where they must recite Kaal Bhairav aarti and burn a four-faced diya with mustard oil. Devotees can eat sattvik cuisine to break their fast in the evening. Getting engaged in donation and charity on this day is seen as meritorious deed.