Devotees of Lord Kaal Bhairav will observe Masik Kalashtami on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, one of the most sacred monthly occasions dedicated to Lord Bhairav, a fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva. The festival is observed every month on the Krishna Paksha Ashtami (eighth day of the waning phase of the Moon) and is believed to remove negative influences, grant protection and bless devotees with prosperity and spiritual strength.

According to the Hindu calendar, the Ashtami Tithi will begin at 1:25 PM on July 7 and conclude at 12:22 PM on July 8 (IST, Ujjain).

Kalashtami 2026: Important Timings

• Date: Tuesday, July 7, 2026

• Ashtami Tithi Begins: 1:25 PM (July 7)

• Ashtami Tithi Ends: 12:22 PM (July 8)

• Sunrise: 5:51 AM

• Sunset: 7:12 PM

• Moonrise: 11:58 PM

• Moonset: 12:02 PM

Significance of Masik Kalashtami

Masik Kalashtami is dedicated to Lord Kaal Bhairav, who is revered as the guardian deity of time and protector of devotees. In Hindu tradition, Lord Bhairav is considered a powerful form of Lord Shiva who removes fear, negativity and obstacles from life.

The significance of Kalashtami is mentioned in the Aditya Purana, where worshipping Lord Bhairav on this day is believed to bring peace, prosperity and protection from evil influences. Devotees also seek forgiveness for past mistakes and pray for good health, success and spiritual progress.

Among the twelve Kalashtami observances held each year, the one falling in the Margashirsha month is celebrated as Kalabhairav Jayanti, the most important festival dedicated to the deity.

Rituals Observed on Kalashtami

Devotees begin the day with an early morning bath before sunrise and observe a strict fast throughout the day. Special prayers and rituals are performed at Kaal Bhairav temples, especially during the evening.

The main rituals include:

• Offering flowers, incense, fruits and sweets to Lord Kaal Bhairav.

• Chanting Kaal Bhairav Ashtakam, Shiva mantras and other sacred hymns.

• Reading or listening to the Kaal Bhairav Katha.

• Performing prayers for ancestors during the morning.

• Visiting Lord Kaal Bhairav temples in the evening for special worship.

• Many devotees observe a night vigil, spending the night in prayer and devotional activities.

A unique tradition associated with Kalashtami is feeding dogs, regarded as the sacred vehicle (Vahana) of Lord Bhairav. Devotees commonly offer milk, curd, sweets and other food items to stray dogs as an act of devotion.

Offering food to Brahmins and donating to the needy are also considered highly meritorious on this occasion.

Spiritual Importance

According to Hindu beliefs, observing the Kalashtami Vrat with sincerity helps devotees overcome fear, remove obstacles, ward off negative energies and attain prosperity and happiness.

Mythological accounts state that Lord Bhairav manifested when Lord Shiva, angered during a dispute with Lord Brahma, assumed a fierce form and severed Brahma's fifth head. Since then, Lord Kaal Bhairav has been worshipped as the divine guardian of righteousness and time.

Kalashtami Dates in 2026

Following the July observance, the remaining Kalashtami dates in 2026 are:

• August 5

• September 4

• October 3

• November 1

• December 1

• December 30

Devotees across India, particularly at prominent Kaal Bhairav temples in Ujjain, Varanasi and other Shiva pilgrimage centres, are expected to observe the monthly festival with traditional rituals, fasting and special prayers.