AstrologgerWhen is the next Kalashtami?
Next Kalashtami: Tuesday, 1 December 2026 (Kalabhairav Jayanti) — tithi 1 Dec 12:12 AM to 1 Dec 11:14 PM (New Delhi).
Kalashtami is the Krishna-paksha Ashtami (8th tithi of the waning fortnight) of every lunar month, sacred to Kaal Bhairav — the fierce form of Shiva who governs time. The Margashirsha Kalashtami is Kalabhairav Jayanti, his appearance day. Dates below are computed for New Delhi.
The next 3 Kalashtami dates
| Date | Name | Tithi window |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday, 1 December 2026 | Kalabhairav Jayanti | 1 Dec 12:12 AM to 1 Dec 11:14 PM |
| Wednesday, 30 December 2026 | Kalashtami (Pausha) | 30 Dec 12:37 PM to 31 Dec 12:33 PM |
| Friday, 29 January 2027 | Kalashtami (Magha) | 29 Jan 4:03 AM to 30 Jan 4:58 AM |
All dates & times computed for New Delhi (IST) with the Swiss Ephemeris + Lahiri ayanamsa.
Frequently asked questions
When is the next Kalashtami?+
The next Kalashtami is Kalabhairav Jayanti on Tuesday, 1 December 2026, tithi 1 Dec 12:12 AM to 1 Dec 11:14 PM (New Delhi). After that: Wednesday, 30 December 2026; Friday, 29 January 2027.
How many Kalashtami are in 2026?+
There are 13 Kalashtami in 2026 for the Delhi region — one each lunar month on the Krishna Ashtami, including Kalabhairav Jayanti in Margashirsha.
Who is Kaal Bhairav?+
Kaal Bhairav is the fierce manifestation of Shiva, the lord of time (kaal) and the guardian (kshetrapal) of sacred places — famously of Kashi, where he is the city's kotwal.
When is Kalabhairav Jayanti?+
The Kalashtami of Margashirsha (November–December) is observed as Kalabhairav Jayanti, the day of Bhairav's manifestation.
How is the vrat kept?+
Devotees fast, worship Bhairav at night with mustard-oil lamps, recite the Kalabhairav Ashtakam, and feed dogs — his vahana. Practice varies by tradition.