Kalashtami January 2026: Date, Time, Puja Rituals and Significance

As we have entered in the year 2026 so this is the first Kalashtami of the year, which is being observed today, on January 10, 2026. Kalashtami is dedicated to worship Lord Kaal Bhairav, a ferocious incarnation of Lord Shiva, who is worshipped on Kalashtami, a powerful day. Devotees keep fasts, offer prayers, and visit temples to express their thanks to the Lord on this auspicious day. The day falls on Ashtami Tithi of Krishna Paksha, hence this month it will be observed during the month of Magha.Ashtami Tithi Begins - January 10, 2026 - 08:23 AMAshtami Tithi Ends - January 11, 2026 - 10:20 AMOne of the most revered days to pray to Lord Kaal Bhairav is Kalashtami. He is also known as the incarnation of Lord Shiva. Hindu devotees observe fasts, offer prayers, and visit Lord Kaal Bhairav's temple on this auspicious day of Kalashtami to perform various religious and spiritual activities. They show their gratitude and devotion to the God. Every month on Ashtami Tithi of Krishna Paksha, Kalashtami falls. and the day gives an opportunity to the devotees an to seek blessings of the Lord.As the name implies, Lord Kaal Bhairav is both the lord of time and the lord of death, offering believers spiritual freedom and shielding them from harm or premature demise. All the temples connected to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are protected by Lord Kaal Bhairav and that's why he is also known by these names like- Kshetrapaal and Danda Pani.This day is believed to be the most effective for eliminating all negative energy and even black magic. It can also be utilized for spiritual purification. In Kaliyuga, it is said that those who worship Kaal Bhairav will be shielded from bad energy, evil spirits, and black magic.It is necessary to get up early and take a holy bath. Then devotees take a sankalp of observing a fast in a pure and devoted manner. From sunrise to sunset, they observe fast and break it in the evening.To appease Lord Bhairav, devotees offer prayers. They abstain from all foods, including salt and cereals. Chant mantras and recite Kaal Bhairav Ashtakam while you offer prayers to Lord Kaal Bhairav.Devotees often light a diya with mustard oil and ask the Lord for blessings.Some devotees perform hawan dedicated to Lord Kaal Bhairav.Devotees must feed street dug to appease the Lord because it is believed that Kaal Bhairav mounts on dogs.Offer Lord Kaal Bhairav a special bhog prasad of meetha rott. It can be prepared at home by devotees and offer it any Kaal Bhairav Temple.