Kalashtami 2024 | Importance Rituals and Date. From rituals to Importance, you should need to know about the festival.
Kalashtami 2024 | Date and Time
Ashtami Tithi Begins – February 2, 2024 – 04:02 PM
Ashtami Tithi Ends – February 3, 2024 – 05:20 PM
Dates | Days | Krishna Ashtami | Tithi |
January 4, 2024 | Thursday | Pausha | Begins - 07:48 PM, Jan 03 |
February 2, 2024 | Friday | Magha | Begins - 04:02 PM, Feb 02 |
March 3, 2024 | Sunday | Phalguna | Begins - 08:44 AM, Mar 03 |
April 1, 2024 | Monday | Chaitra | Begins - 09:09 PM, Apr 01 |
May 1, 2024 | Wednesday | Vaishakha | Begins - 05:45 AM, May 01 |
May 30, 2024 | Thursday | Jyeshtha | Begins - 11:43 AM, May 30 |
June 28, 2024 | Friday | Ashadha | Begins - 04:27 PM, Jun 28 |
July 27, 2024 | Saturday | Shravana | Begins - 09:19 PM, Jul 27 |
August 26, 2024 | Monday | Bhadrapada | Begins - 03:39 AM, Aug 26 |
September 24, 2024 | Tuesday | Ashwina | Begins - 12:38 PM, Sep 24 |
October 24, 2024 | Thursday | Kartika | Begins - 01:18 AM, Oct 24 |
November 22, 2024 | Friday | Margashirsha | Begins - 06:07 PM, Nov 22 |
December 22, 2024 | Sunday | Pausha | Begins - 02:31 PM, Dec 22 |
Kalashtami 2024 | Significance
Kalashtami is a sacred day that holds great spiritual significance for Hindus. It falls on the eighth day of the waning phase of the moon (Krishna Paksha) every month and is dedicated to the fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva, known as Kaal Bhairava. Devotees believe that on this day, Lord Kaal Bhairava blesses and protects them from negative energies.
The festival of Kalashtami gets its name from two words – “Kala”, which means time and “Ashtami”, which means the eighth day. This festival is a symbol of controlling time and understanding the transient nature of life. Devotees fast, pray and visit Shiva temples to honor Lord Kaal Bhairava. They perform special rituals and pujas to seek divine guidance and liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
On Kalashtami, the divine energy of Kaal Bhairava is revered. This day is believed to foster spiritual growth, instill discipline, and reinforce the belief in the eternal cosmic order. Observing Kalashtami offers a unique opportunity for introspection and connection with the timeless essence of the universe.
Kalashtami 2024 | Rituals
Fasting (Vrat): On Kalashtami, devotees often fast for the day. Some opt for a vegetarian diet or only fruit during this time.
Bathing and Purity: Before beginning the puja, devotees perform a ceremonial bath to purify themselves. It is believed that cleanliness is essential when seeking the blessings of Lord Bhairav
Puja Setup: For a puja, a sacred space is created with a small altar or dedicated area where an image or idol of Lord Bhairav is placed at the center
Offerings: Devotees offer various items to Lord Bhairav including flowers, incense, fruits, sweets, vermilion, and black sesame seeds, which are considered auspicious.
Mantras and Chants: It’s interesting to know that during the puja of Lord Bhairav, specific mantras and prayers are recited. The “Bhairav Ashtakam” is the most common mantra associated with Lord Bhairav.
Dhuni (Sacred Fire): In some regions, a sacred fire known as Dhuni is lit during the Kalashtami Puja. It is believed by devotees that sitting near this fire can purify them and ward off evil forces.
Observing Jagran (Night Vigil): Lighting the Dhuni fire and sitting near it is believed to have purifying effects and can protect people from evil forces.
Charity and Donation: Giving to the needy during Kalashtami Puja is regarded as an essential practice. Devotees often donate food, clothing, or other essentials to the less fortunate as a way of seeking divine blessings.
Breaking the Fast: The fast is traditionally broken after completing the puja rituals. Devotees partake in a simple meal, often consisting of vegetarian food, to conclude the day.