Kalashtami or Kala Ashtami is observed every Hindu lunar month on the Krishna Paksha Ashtami Tithi. The occasion is dedicated to Lord Bhairav.

The days are considered to be most suitable for worshipping Lord Kaal Bhairav.

There are a total of 12 Kalashtami observances in a year. The one falling in the Margashirsha month is most significant and is known as Kalabhairav Jayanti.

Kalashtami December 2022 Date: December 16, Friday.

Ashtami Tithi Timing:  December 16, 1:39 am - December 17, 3:02 am.

Kalashtami Rituals: Kalashtami is a significant day for the devotees of Lord Shiva. Lord Kala Bhairav is known to be the fearful manifestation of Lord Shiva.

Devotees worship Lord Kala Bhairav along with Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. After puja, they also recite the Kalabhairav Katha.

They take bath early in the morning to perform special pujas and rituals for their ancestors.

The devotees stay awake during night and narrate stories of Lord Kala Bhairav and Lord Shiva, besides chanting mantras dedicated to Bhairav.

Arti is also performed at midnight with traditional musical instruments like drums, bells and conches.

Some devotees also observe fasting during the day on Kalabhairav Jayanti.

Dogs are also fed with milk and sweets on this day as Lord Kala Bhairav rides on a dog.

Kalashtami Significance: Devotees worship Lord Shiva and Bhairav on the day to seek forgiveness for their sins. The worshipping also brings good health, prosperity, happiness and success, as per belief.

It is also believed that by worshipping Lord Kala Bhairav, all the ‘Rahu’ and ‘Shani’ doshas can be nullified.

Kalashtami 2022 Dates:

January 25th
Tuesday		 Ashtami Tithi Timing : Jan 25, 7:49 AM - Jan 26, 6:25 AM
February 23rd
Wednesday		 Ashtami Tithi Timing : Feb 23, 4:56 PM - Feb 24, 3:04 PM
March 25th
Friday		 Ashtami Tithi Timing : Mar 25, 12:10 AM - Mar 25, 10:04 PM
April 23rd
Saturday		 Ashtami Tithi Timing : Apr 23, 6:27 AM - Apr 24, 4:30 AM
May 22nd
Sunday		 Ashtami Tithi Timing : May 22, 1:00 PM - May 23, 11:34 AM
June 21st
Tuesday		 Ashtami Tithi Timing : Jun 20, 9:01 PM - Jun 21, 8:31 PM
July 20th
Wednesday		 Ashtami Tithi Timing : Jul 20, 7:36 AM - Jul 21, 8:12 AM
August 19th
Friday		 Ashtami Tithi Timing : Aug 18, 9:21 PM - Aug 19, 10:59 PM
September 17th
Saturday		 Ashtami Tithi Timing : Sep 17, 2:14 PM - Sep 18, 4:33 PM
October 17th
Monday		 Ashtami Tithi Timing : Oct 17, 9:30 AM - Oct 18, 11:58 AM
November 16th
Wednesday		 Ashtami Tithi Timing : Nov 16, 5:50 AM - Nov 17, 7:57 AM
December 16th
Friday		 Ashtami Tithi Timing : Dec 16, 1:39 AM - Dec 17, 3:02 AM