Devotees across India are observing Budh Ashtami Vrat on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, a sacred Hindu fasting day dedicated primarily to Lord Budha (Mercury) and, in many regions, to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The vrat is considered highly auspicious for seeking prosperity, wisdom, relief from planetary afflictions and overall well-being.

Budh Ashtami is observed whenever the Ashtami Tithi (eighth lunar day) coincides with Wednesday (Budhwar) in the Hindu lunar calendar. According to Hindu scriptures, devotees who observe the fast with devotion are believed to receive divine blessings and freedom from past sins.

Budh Ashtami Vrat 2026 Date and Timings

According to the Hindu Panchang (Ujjain, IST), the important timings for Budh Ashtami Vrat are:

• Date: Wednesday, August 5, 2026

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• Ashtami Tithi Begins: 8:42 PM on August 5

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• Ashtami Tithi Ends: 6:53 PM on August 6

• Sunrise: 6:03 AM

• Sunset: 7:02 PM

• Moonrise: 11:14 PM

• Moonset: 12:56 PM

Since the Ashtami Tithi begins after sunset on August 5, devotees follow the observance based on the traditional Hindu calendar and local customs.

How Budh Ashtami Vrat Is Observed

On Budh Ashtami, devotees worship Budha Graha to seek blessings for intelligence, financial stability, success in education and relief from adverse planetary effects.

Many devotees observe a day-long fast and perform special puja rituals. A Kalash filled with water is installed at the place of worship, topped with an unpeeled green coconut. An idol or image of Lord Budha, often engraved on a gold or silver coin, is worshipped with flowers, incense, lamps and offerings.

Special Naivedya (food offering) is prepared and offered during the puja. Devotees consume the prasad only after completing the rituals and also distribute it among family members and other devotees.

In several parts of northern India, Gujarat and Maharashtra, devotees also worship Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati on this occasion.

Religious Significance

The significance of Budh Ashtami Vrat is mentioned in the Brahmanda Purana and other Hindu scriptures.

Religious beliefs suggest that observing this vrat with sincerity helps devotees attain spiritual merit, overcome past karmic sins and receive the blessings of Lord Budha. The fast is also observed by people seeking relief from Budh Grah Dosha, as it is believed to reduce the adverse effects of Mercury in one's horoscope.

Traditionally, the Budh Ashtami Vrat is observed eight consecutive times. Upon completing the final observance, devotees donate the gold or silver coin used during worship to a Brahmin as part of the concluding ritual.

Regions Where the Vrat Is Popular

Budh Ashtami Vrat is widely observed in Gujarat, Maharashtra and several northern Indian states. Temples dedicated to Lord Shiva witness special prayers, while many households perform elaborate pujas seeking peace, prosperity and family welfare.

With devotional rituals, fasting and prayers, devotees mark the occasion with the belief that sincere worship brings spiritual growth, prosperity and protection from negative planetary influences.