There is one Kalashtami in October 2026. The dates and timings below are computed for New Delhi.
October 2026 has one Kalashtami: Kalashtami (Ashwina) on Saturday, 3 October (Krishna paksha).
| Date | Day | Name | Paksha / Month | Tithi Begins | Tithi Ends |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 Oct 2026UPCOMING | Sat | Kalashtami (Ashwina) | Krishna · Bhadrapada | 2 Oct, 10:16 AM | 3 Oct, 8:0 AM |
All dates & times computed for New Delhi (IST) with the Swiss Ephemeris + Lahiri ayanamsa — not copied.
Kalashtami is the monthly night of Kaal Bhairav, kept on the waning-fortnight Ashtami. Bhairav is worshipped as the remover of fear, the punisher of wrongdoing and the master of time; his vrat is traditionally kept for protection, discipline and relief from Rahu- and Shani-related afflictions.
The worship is done in the evening or night — a mustard-oil lamp, black sesame, and the Kalabhairav Ashtakam of Adi Shankaracharya are its heart. Feeding dogs, Bhairav's companions, is considered especially meritorious on this day.
There are 13 Kalashtami in 2026 for the Delhi region — one each lunar month on the Krishna Ashtami, including Kalabhairav Jayanti in Margashirsha.
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.
The Kalashtami of Margashirsha (November–December) is observed as Kalabhairav Jayanti, the day of Bhairav's manifestation.
Devotees fast, worship Bhairav at night with mustard-oil lamps, recite the Kalabhairav Ashtakam, and feed dogs — his vahana. Practice varies by tradition.
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