Kalashtami

Lord Kaal Bhairav (fierce form of Shiva), also Maa Kali

Hindu

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Kalashtami is observed every month on Krishna Paksha Ashtami, dedicated to Lord Kaal Bhairav, guardian of time and protector against fear and negative energies.

Dates 2026–2027

February 28, 2027

Mantra

ॐ कालभैरवाय नमः

Om Kala Bhairavaya Namah

Salutations to Lord Kaal Bhairav, the fierce guardian of time

How to recite

Chant 108 times during the evening or Nishita (midnight) puja before an image of Bhairav or Shiva. Light a mustard-oil lamp and offer black sesame; feeding dogs — Bhairav's vahana — is considered especially auspicious.

Benefits

Removes fear, negativity and obstacles, and grants protection from enemies and untimely misfortune. As the guardian of time, Kaal Bhairav shields devotees from harm.

✦ Special Note

This Kalashtami falls on a Sunday — one of the two weekdays (with Tuesday) sacred to Lord Bhairav — so the fast and Nishita puja are held to be especially powerful.

Foods Allowed

Fruits and milk for those keeping phalaharA single sattvic meal after the evening / Nishita pujaBlack sesame (til) and jaggery prasadKheer or urad dal preparations

Foods to Avoid

Grains and cereals during the fastOnion and garlicNon-vegetarian food and eggsAlcoholSalt during the pre-puja phase

Meal Idea

Urad dal khichdi with til-jaggery laddu — the dark, warming foods offered to Bhairav

Related vrats

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Janmashtami — September 4, 2026Same tradition and category
Kala Bhairav Jayanti (Kalashtami) — December 1, 2026Same tradition and category
Kalashtami — January 10, 2026Same tradition and category
Kalashtami — February 9, 2026Same tradition and category

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