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.

Kalashtami 2026: Key Timings and Rituals for February 9 Observance

As the lunar month progresses, millions of Hindus across India and beyond are preparing to observe Kalashtami on Monday, February 9, 2026. This monthly festival, dedicated to Lord Kaal Bhairav—a fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva—holds deep spiritual significance for devotees seeking protection, prosperity, and liberation from past sins.

What is Kalashtami?

Kalashtami, also known as Masik Kala Ashtami, is observed every Hindu lunar month on the Krishna Paksha Ashtami—the eighth day during the waning phase of the moon. It is a day devoted to worshipping Lord Bhairav, who is revered as the "God of Time" and a guardian deity in Shiva traditions.

According to Hindu scriptures like the Aditya Purana, Lord Bhairav appeared when Lord Shiva severed the fifth head of Brahma to subdue his arrogance. Thus, Kalashtami is seen as an opportunity to appease this powerful form of Shiva and ward off negativity, fear, and obstacles.

Kalashtami 2026: Important Timings

For accurate rituals, devotees follow the Ashtami tithi timing. This month, the window for observance is:

- Ashtami Tithi Start: 05:01 AM on February 9, 2026  

- Ashtami Tithi End: 07:27 AM on February 10, 2026  

All timings are in IST for Ujjain, India. Local variations may apply.

Other notable timings on February 9 include:

- Sunrise: 07:06 AM

- Sunset: 06:15 PM

- Moonrise: 12:18 AM (Feb 10)

- Moonset: 12:03 PM

Rituals and Observances

Devotees typically follow these practices on Kalashtami:

1. Pre-dawn Bath: Observers wake up early and take a ritual bath.

2. Fasting: Many keep a strict fast from sunrise to next sunrise, consuming only water or fruits. Some even stay awake all night (Jagaran).

3. Puja and Mantras: Special prayers are offered to Lord Bhairav, often using a silver or black stone idol. Chanting the Kaal Bhairav Katha and dedicated mantras is considered highly auspicious.

4. Temple Visits: Evening visits to Bhairav or Shiva temples are common.

5. Feeding Dogs: Since a black dog is believed to be Lord Bhairav’s vehicle, offering milk and sweets to dogs is a key ritual.

6. Charity: Donating food, especially to Brahmins at pilgrim sites like Varanasi, is encouraged.

Why This Kalashtami is Significant

This February 9 Kalashtami holds added importance as it falls on a Monday, a day sacred to Lord Shiva. In 2026, the most significant Kalashtami—Kalabhairav Jayanti—will occur later in the year, but each monthly observance is seen as a chance to cleanse karma and seek divine protection.

Astrologers note that observing Kalashtami is believed to remove Shani (Saturn) and Rahu-Ketu related afflictions, offering relief from hardships.

Cultural and Contemporary Relevance

In today’s fast-paced lifestyle, festivals like Kalashtami provide a spiritual pause—a day to reflect, detoxify, and reconnect with cultural roots. Online platforms and apps now send reminders for tithi timings, and virtual pujas have made participation accessible to the global diaspora.

The 2026 Hindu calendar lists 13 Kalashtami dates, with the next falling on March 11. Each offers a monthly reset for devotees.

Final Thought

Whether you are a devout follower or a cultural observer, understanding days like Kalashtami enriches appreciation for India’s living traditions. As February 9 approaches, temples across the country will resonate with chants, echoing a timeless practice of faith and reverence.