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

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

• 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.

Hindu devotees across India are observing Masik Kalashtami on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, a monthly festival dedicated to Lord Kaal Bhairav, one of the fiercest manifestations of Lord Shiva. The occasion is considered highly auspicious for devotees seeking protection from negative influences, removal of obstacles, and spiritual growth through fasting and special prayers.

Kalashtami is observed every month on the Ashtami Tithi (eighth day) of the Krishna Paksha, the waning phase of the lunar month. According to Hindu beliefs, worshipping Lord Kaal Bhairav on this day is believed to bring peace, prosperity, courage and relief from hardships.

Kalashtami 2026 Date and Timings

According to the Hindu Panchang, the Ashtami Tithi for Kalashtami begins at 8:42 PM on August 5 and ends at 6:53 PM on August 6.

Important timings (IST):

• Date: Wednesday, August 5, 2026

• Ashtami Tithi Begins: 8:42 PM (August 5)

• Ashtami Tithi Ends: 6:53 PM (August 6)

• Sunrise: 6:03 AM

• Sunset: 7:02 PM

The timings are based on Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, and may vary slightly depending on location.

Why Kalashtami Is Celebrated

Kalashtami is dedicated to Lord Kaal Bhairav, who is regarded as the guardian deity of time and protector of dharma. Hindu scriptures describe Kaal Bhairav as a powerful manifestation of Lord Shiva who destroys evil, removes fear and protects devotees from negative energies.

Among the twelve Kalashtami observances held every year, the one celebrated during the Margashirsha month is observed as Kalabhairav Jayanti, which holds special religious significance.

Rituals Followed on Kalashtami

Devotees begin the day with an early morning bath and observe a fast while offering prayers to Lord Kaal Bhairav. Many visit Bhairav or Shiva temples to perform special puja and seek divine blessings.

The rituals commonly observed include:

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

• Chanting Bhairav mantras and reciting Kaal Bhairav Katha.

• Lighting mustard oil or sesame oil lamps during evening worship.

• Performing prayers for ancestors.

• Remaining awake during the night in devotion to Lord Shiva.

A unique tradition associated with Kalashtami is feeding dogs, which are considered the sacred vehicle (vahana) of Lord Bhairav. Devotees often offer milk, curd, sweets or bread to dogs as part of the day's rituals.

Religious Significance

According to Hindu beliefs and references found in ancient scriptures, observing the Kalashtami Vrat with devotion helps devotees overcome fear, remove obstacles and seek protection from misfortune.

The festival is also associated with repentance and spiritual purification. Worshippers believe that sincere prayers offered to Lord Bhairav help eliminate negative influences and bring stability, prosperity and success in life.

Many devotees also perform charitable acts, including feeding Brahmins and donating food to the needy, considering such acts especially meritorious on Kalashtami.

A Day of Devotion

Temples dedicated to Lord Bhairav and Lord Shiva witness increased footfall on Kalashtami, with devotees participating in special aartis, bhajans and night-long prayers. The monthly observance continues to hold deep spiritual importance for Shiva devotees across the country.

Bhaumvati Amavasya, one of the most spiritually significant New Moon observances in the Hindu calendar, will be observed on Tuesday, July 14, 2026. Considered especially auspicious because Amavasya coincides with Tuesday (Mangalwar), the day is dedicated to worshipping Lord Mangal (Mars) and offering prayers to ancestors through Pitru Tarpan and Shraddha rituals.

According to the Hindu Panchang, Bhaumvati Amavasya is regarded as an ideal occasion for performing charity, seeking relief from Mangal Dosha, praying for financial stability, and honouring departed ancestors.

Bhaumvati Amavasya 2026: Date and Timings

As per the Panchang (Ujjain, IST):

• Bhaumvati Amavasya: Tuesday, July 14, 2026

• Amavasya Tithi Begins: 6:50 PM, July 13

• Amavasya Tithi Ends: 3:13 PM, July 14

• Sunrise: 5:53 AM

• Sunset: 7:11 PM

Devotees are advised to perform religious rituals during the Amavasya Tithi while following local Panchang timings for their respective locations.

Why Bhaumvati Amavasya Is Special

Bhaumvati Amavasya occurs whenever Amavasya falls on a Tuesday, making it a rare and highly auspicious combination in Hindu tradition.

The day is primarily associated with Lord Mangal (Mars), who is believed to remove obstacles related to debts, financial hardships, and planetary afflictions. In several Hindu scriptures, Mars is also referred to as Rina Harta, meaning "the remover of debts."

The occasion is also considered one of the most important days for remembering ancestors and seeking their blessings for peace, prosperity, and family well-being.

Rituals Observed on Bhaumvati Amavasya

Devotees traditionally begin the day with an early morning bath, preferably in a sacred river or another clean water source.

The major religious observances include:

• Performing Pitru Tarpan and Shraddha for departed ancestors.

• Worshipping Lord Mangal (Mars) with prayers and offerings.

• Reciting the Mangal Rina Harta Stotra.

• Performing Navgraha Shanti Havan for planetary peace.

• Offering food to Brahmins and making charitable donations.

• Observing a day-long fast to seek relief from Pitru Dosha and other obstacles.

• Worshipping Lord Vishnu and the Peepal tree, a tradition followed in several parts of India.

Religious Significance

Hindu scriptures describe Bhaumvati Amavasya as a highly rewarding day for spiritual practices and acts of charity.

It is believed that donations made on this day yield manifold spiritual benefits while helping devotees attain peace, prosperity, and freedom from financial burdens. Those facing the effects of Mangal Dosha often perform special prayers and remedies on this occasion.

The day also provides an opportunity for people who may have missed ancestral rituals during other sacred periods to offer prayers for the peace of their forefathers.

Religious scholars also believe that when Bhaumvati Amavasya occurs during an Adhik Maas, its spiritual significance becomes even greater.

Bhaumvati Amavasya Dates in 2026

In 2026, Bhaumvati Amavasya will be observed three times:

• February 17 (Tuesday)

• July 14 (Tuesday)

• December 8 (Tuesday)

Each occurrence is considered auspicious for worshipping Lord Mangal, performing ancestral rites, and engaging in charitable activities.

A Day of Devotion and Charity

Devotees across India are expected to visit temples, perform rituals for their ancestors, observe fasting, and participate in charitable activities on July 14.

Religious traditions emphasize that sincere prayers, acts of charity, and remembrance of ancestors on Bhaumvati Amavasya are believed to bring spiritual merit, family harmony, financial stability, and divine blessings.

Amavasya, the New Moon day in the Hindu lunar calendar, will be observed on Tuesday, July 14, 2026. Falling during the month of Ashadha, this Amavasya holds special religious significance for devotees who perform Pitru Tarpan, Shraddha, charity, and spiritual practices to seek the blessings of their ancestors and attain inner purification.

This year's observance is considered even more significant as Ashadha Amavasya coincides with Bhaumvati Amavasya, since the New Moon falls on a Tuesday. The day is regarded as highly auspicious for ancestral rites, worship of Lord Hanuman and Lord Mangal (Mars), meditation, and acts of charity.

Amavasya 2026: Date and Tithi Timings

According to the Hindu Panchang (Ujjain, IST):

• Amavasya: Tuesday, July 14, 2026

• Amavasya Tithi Begins: 6:50 PM on July 13

• Amavasya Tithi Ends: 3:13 PM on July 14

• Sunrise: 5:53 AM

• Sunset: 7:11 PM

• Moonrise: 5:22 AM

• Moonset: 7:29 PM

Devotees should follow the Panchang applicable to their respective locations for accurate ritual timings.

Religious Significance of Amavasya

Amavasya marks the darkest phase of the lunar cycle and symbolizes renewal, introspection, and spiritual cleansing. Hindu traditions believe that on this day, the souls of ancestors come closer to the earthly realm, making it one of the most auspicious occasions for performing Pitru Tarpan, Pind Daan, and other ancestral rituals.

The day is also associated with seeking forgiveness for past karmas, praying for family prosperity, and strengthening spiritual discipline through prayer, fasting, meditation, and charity.

Rituals Observed on Ashadha Amavasya

Devotees begin the day by waking during Brahma Muhurta and taking a holy bath in a sacred river or with clean water at home.

The principal rituals include:

• Performing Pitru Tarpan using water, black sesame seeds, and rice.

• Offering Pind Daan to departed ancestors.

• Worshipping Lord Hanuman, Lord Shiva, and Lord Mangal (Mars).

• Observing a day-long fast, with many devotees consuming only fruits or water.

• Performing havan and chanting sacred mantras, including the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra and "Om Pitrubhyo Namah."

• Donating food, clothes, grains, or money to the needy and feeding Brahmins.

• Lighting earthen lamps at homes and temples in the evening before concluding prayers.

Spiritual Importance

Religious texts describe Amavasya as a day that encourages self-reflection and spiritual growth. The absence of moonlight represents Shunyata (emptiness), symbolizing the beginning of new creation and inner transformation.

Many devotees believe that sincere prayers, meditation, and charitable acts performed on Amavasya help remove karmic obstacles, bring peace to departed souls, and attract divine blessings for future generations.

Since this year's Amavasya falls on a Tuesday, devotees also perform special prayers dedicated to Lord Hanuman and Mangal Graha, seeking relief from financial challenges, planetary afflictions, and obstacles in life.

Popular Amavasya Observances

Different Amavasyas throughout the year have distinct religious significance. Among the most prominent are Mauni Amavasya, known for observing silence and holy bathing; Bhaumvati Amavasya, dedicated to Lord Mangal and ancestral worship; and Kartik Amavasya, celebrated nationwide as Diwali.

Ashadha Amavasya is particularly associated with prayers for ancestors, spiritual purification, and, in many regions, worship of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati for prosperity and agricultural well-being.

A Day of Faith and Charity

Temples and pilgrimage centres across India are expected to witness large gatherings as devotees participate in special prayers, ancestral rites, fasting, and charitable activities on July 14.

Religious scholars advise devotees to spend the day in prayer, meditation, and service while avoiding negative thoughts and actions. According to Hindu beliefs, acts of compassion, charity, and remembrance performed on Amavasya bring lasting spiritual merit, family harmony, and peace for departed ancestors.

Two highly regarded auspicious timings, Abhijit Muhurat and Vijaya Muhurat, will coincide with Ashtami Tithi on Monday, 8 June, according to the Hindu Panchang. Astrologers and Panchang experts say the day is considered favorable for religious ceremonies, spiritual practices and the commencement of important tasks. The Ashtami Tithi will prevail for the entire day and extend until 3:23 AM on 9 June. Monday's sunrise is scheduled for 5:23 AM, while sunset will occur at 7:18 PM. The presence of both auspicious periods on the same day has drawn attention among devotees and those planning significant events. Reports indicate that such combinations are generally considered beneficial in traditional Hindu beliefs. The Panchang-based timings are widely followed across the country for rituals and cultural observances.

According to Panchang calculations, devotees observing fasts or conducting religious ceremonies on Ashtami will have the advantage of performing rituals during favorable Muhurat periods. Priests and astrologers often recommend these windows for prayers, charitable activities and new beginnings.

Auspicious Timings

Sources familiar with traditional calendars said that Abhijit Muhurat is regarded as one of the most sacred periods of the day and is considered suitable for undertaking important tasks. Vijaya Muhurat, meanwhile, is traditionally associated with success and positive outcomes.

The availability of both Muhurats on Ashtami has increased interest among devotees preparing for worship and spiritual observances. Many households follow Panchang recommendations while deciding the timing of ceremonies and religious activities.

Significance of Ashtami

Ashtami Tithi holds special significance in Hindu traditions and is associated with the worship of various deities depending on the lunar month and regional customs. Religious scholars note that fasting, prayers and charitable acts performed during this period are considered spiritually rewarding.

Reports suggest that people planning pujas, havans or other ceremonies often consult the Panchang to align their activities with favorable timings. The observance also forms part of several traditional practices followed across different parts of India.

According to experts, sunrise on Monday will take place at 5:23 AM, while sunset is expected at 7:18 PM. Since the Ashtami Tithi will remain effective throughout the day and continue into the early hours of Tuesday, devotees will have ample time for rituals and worship.