ashtami

Kalashtami, a significant Hindu festival honoring Lord Kaal Bhairav, is observed on May 9, 2026. Devotees will fast from dawn to dusk and perform pujas to appease the fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva. This day is dedicated to seeking blessings, protection from negative energies, and the fulfillment of wishes. Rituals include bathing, observing fasts, and chanting mantras.

May 10, 2026, a Sunday, aligns with Kalashtami Vrat, dedicated to Lord Bhairava for protection and discipline. The day's Panchang details, including lunar phases and Nakshatras, suggest a focus on clearing tasks and mindful planning. Auspicious timings are available for important endeavors, while caution is advised during inauspicious periods like Rahu Kaal.

Kalashtami, a significant day for worshipping Lord Kaal Bhairav, falls on May 9, 2026. Devotees observe fasts and perform rituals to seek his blessings for wish fulfillment and protection from negativity and fear. Visiting temples and chanting mantras are key practices to appease the fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva.

Bagalamukhi Jayanti, celebrating the birth of Goddess Bagalamukhi, one of the Mahavidhyas, is observed on Vaishakha Shukla ashtami. This year, it falls on April 24, 2026. Worshipped for protection and power, the Goddess is revered for her role in saving humanity from a devastating flood during Satyug.

April 24, 2026, a Friday, aligns with Shukla Paksh ashtami and the nurturing Pushya nakshatra, encouraging disciplined effort and care. The Cancer Moon stirs emotions, while auspicious timings like Abhijit Muhurta support focused action. Masik Durgashtami Vrat is observed, emphasizing courage and compassion.

May 9, 2026, offers a day for practical focus and disciplined action, guided by the Saptami tithi and Sravana nakshatra. The Capricorn Moon encourages responsibility and productivity, making it ideal for completing tasks and making mature decisions. Auspicious timings like Abhijit and Vijay Muhurta support important endeavors, while caution is advised during Rahu Kaal and other inauspicious periods.

April 23, 2026, offers a day for steady progress and mindful decisions, guided by the Hindu calendar. The tithi Saptami and Punarvasu nakshatra support learning and restoration, while the Moon's shift to Cancer emphasizes emotional well-being. Ganga Saptami is observed, encouraging purification and renewal.

Kalashtami, a significant Hindu day, is dedicated to worshipping Lord Kaal Bhairav, the fierce form of Lord Shiva. Devotees observe fasts from sunrise to sunset to appease him, seeking protection, power, and blessings. Lord Kaal Bhairav is believed to control time and death, and his worship helps eliminate negative elements like lust, anger, greed, attachment, and ego.

April 10, 2026, offers a day for disciplined introspection and focused action, guided by the Hindu calendar. The day emphasizes completing pending tasks, strengthening boundaries, and making mindful decisions, especially during auspicious timings. It advises caution during inauspicious periods like Rahu Kaal to avoid confusion and impulsive choices.

Kalashtami, dedicated to Lord Kaal Bhairav, the fierce form of Lord Shiva representing time, protection, and justice, will be observed on April 10, 2026, during the Vaishakha month. Devotees worship Kaal Bhairav for protection, spiritual growth, and removal of negative energies and obstacles. The rituals include specific offerings, chanting mantras, observing fasts, and feeding black canines.

Severe weather conditions, with storms and relentless rain, have thrown a wrench into both election campaigns and the much-anticipated Ashoka ashtami Mela in Dhubri. Numerous political events, including key speeches by the Chief Minister and a cabinet minister, faced cancellations or abrupt endings.

April 09, 2026, offers a day for introspection and correction with Krishna Paksha Saptami and Mula Nakshatra. Focus on completing tasks and addressing root issues. Be mindful of Rahu Kaal in the afternoon, avoiding new ventures and financial decisions. Prioritize steady effort and gratitude throughout the day.

Chaitra Durga ashtami will be celebrated tomorrow, March 26, 2026. This auspicious day is dedicated to worshipping Mahagauri Maa. Devotees will perform kanya pujan, inviting young girls and offering them sattvik food. The day also involves worshipping Lord Surya at sunrise. Rituals include offering water and reciting Aditya Hriday Stotram.

The eighth day of Navratri honors Maa Mahagauri, a beautiful form that emerges after the fierce destruction of negativity by Maa Kaalratri. ashtami Tithi, astrologically presided over by Maa Durga, holds significant importance in the Durga Puja tradition.

Chaitra Durga ashtami, observed on March 26, 2026, marks the worship of Goddess Mahagauri during Navratri. Devotees engage in prayers, hawan, and Kanya Puja, honoring nine young girls as divine forms. The day commemorates Goddess Durga's victory over demons and bestows blessings of prosperity and well-being.

A mother, an occult practitioner, and another man have been arrested in Hazaribag for allegedly strangling a teenage girl during a sacrificial ritual. The mother reportedly believed the ritual was necessary to cure her son's ailments. The girl was killed on March 24 and her body was buried in a garden.

Indian festivals and traditional food are deeply intertwined, with the Navratri bhog of Poori, Halwa, and Kale Chane holding mythological and scientific significance. This meal, offered to young girls on Durga ashtami and Navami as a form of Goddess Durga, provides essential nutrients to balance the body after a sattvic diet.

Chaitra Durga ashtami, observed on March 26, 2026, honors Goddess Maha Gauri, the eighth form of Durga. This significant day during Navratri celebrates the victory of good over evil. Devotees worship young girls, offer prayers, and distribute alms, embodying reverence and devotion.

Kapil Sharma celebrated ashtami during Chaitra Navratri with traditional Kanya Pujan at his residence, continuing a family tradition. He shared glimpses of the rituals, including serving bhog and seeking blessings from young girls, on social media. His wife, Ginni Chatrath, also participated in the auspicious ceremony.

Tragedy struck Nalanda's Maghra area as a stampede at Mata Sheetalashtami Temple claimed eight lives and injured several devotees. The incident occurred during a large religious gathering, causing panic. Meanwhile, President Droupadi Murmu is set to grace Nalanda University's convocation in Rajgir, marking her first visit as President to the institution.

Uttar Pradesh government has extended the Ram Navami holiday to March 26 and 27. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's decision aims to facilitate devotees' rituals and enable better management of temple arrangements. This move acknowledges the overlapping ashtami and Navami, anticipating larger crowds and respecting public sentiment, while also aiding in efficient traffic and security planning.

Jamshedpur's Ram Navami Akhara Samitis have resorted to traditional cooking methods using firewood and cow dung cakes to prepare bhog for devotees due to an LPG refill shortage. Despite representations to the DC, the issue remains unresolved, impacting the preparation of prasad for large gatherings.

At Tapovan Temple in Ranchi, the excitement for Ram Navami is palpable as preparations escalate. With an expected turnout of lakhs, especially on ashtami, the temple officials are focused on enhancing infrastructure and ensuring cleanliness.

In Patna, the vibrant Bengali community is joyfully partaking in 'Basanti Pujo', a cherished springtime homage to Goddess Durga, which heralds the dawn of the festive season long before autumn arrives. This time-honored celebration thrives at Pucca Bari, Bangali Akhara, and Patna Kalibari, showcasing intricate rituals, communal feasts, and vibrant cultural displays.

Navami puja emphasizes abundant offerings, including nine types of flowers and fruits, as the Mother Goddess departs. This day also fulfills Kanya Puja obligations, inviting and feeding nine girls if not done on ashtami. The color purple symbolizes the union of divine energies, while Goddess Siddhidatri offers remedies for Ketu-related issues and astrological success.

March 26, 2026, a Thursday, offers a dynamic blend of energies. The day begins with a spirited ashtami Tithi and the intense Ardra Nakshatra, ideal for tackling challenges and deep work. As the day progresses, Punarvasu Nakshatra brings a gentler, restorative feel. Masik Durgashtami Vrat is observed, encouraging inner strength and mindful observance.

Sheetala ashtami, also known as Basoda, is a quiet Hindu festival observed a few days after Holi, dedicated to Goddess Sheetala for protection from diseases. Families prepare food a day in advance, eating it cold as a symbol of the goddess's preference for calmness and cooling energy.

March 25, 2026, a Wednesday, offers opportunities for structured work and research with Saptami Tithi and Mrigasira Nakshatra. The Moon's shift to Gemini encourages communication, but caution is advised during Rahu Kaal for financial decisions. Auspicious timings like Amrit Kalam support important calls and blessings.

Basoda, or Sheetala ashtami, will be celebrated on March 11, 2026. This significant Hindu festival honors Goddess Sheetala. Devotees pray to her for protection against diseases like smallpox and measles. The festival marks the arrival of summer. On this day, no fire is used for cooking, reflecting the goddess's association with coolness. The puja is performed with devotion and purity.