Bhishma Ashtami 2026 is a festival dedicated to Bhishma Pitamah, a great character from the Mahabharata. It is believed that he voluntarily gave up his life on this auspicious day. This day is observed on the Ashtami Tithi of the Shukla Paksha of the Magha month. Special prayers and rituals are performed in all Vishnu temples and ISKCON temples across the country in honour of Bhishma Pitamah. People remember him with reverence and perform tarpan and other rituals in his memory with utmost devotion. This year, Bhishma Ashtami will be observed on 26th January 2026.
Bhishma Ashtami 2026: Date And Time
- Bhishma Ashtami 2026 Date: 26th January 2026, Monday
- Ashtami Tithi Start: 11:10 PM, 25th January 2026
- Ashtami Tithi Ends: 09:18 PM, 26th January 2026
Bhishma Ashtami 2026: Significance
Bhishma Pitamah was known for his celibacy and undeterred dedication to his father. Due to his dedication, his father conferred upon him an eternal boon of choosing his own time of death. Though injured in the war of the Mahabharata, still, Bhishma Pitamah avoided death until such time that the sun began moving in 'Uttarayana'.
He left his body on the Ashtami tithi in the Shukla Paksha of Magha when Uttarayana begins, making it a highly sacred day for the devotees. It is said that by keeping a fast and by doing a puja on this day, one will be liberated from Pitra Dosha. Also, couples who are eager for children will fast so that they attain the blessings of Bhishma Pitamah.
Bhishma Ashtami is observed in honour of Bhishma Pitamah on the Shukla Paksha Ashtami tithi of Magha month. (Image Source: Wikimedia Commons)
Bhishma Ashtami 2026: Rituals
Tarpan and Shradh rituals are performed in the remembrance of Bhishma Pitamah on Bhishma Ashtami. Devotees additionally perform Tarpan and Shradh. Bathing in holy rivers is considered highly auspicious. Devotees offer boiled rice and sesame seeds in respect of the holy River Ganges while taking a dip. It is believed that this washes away all the sins of one's life and leads to salvation. Many people also perform Tarpan on the riverbanks on this day to seek peace for their ancestors.
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After bathing, devotees observe a strict fast throughout the day in honour of Bhishma Pitamah. In the evening, a vow is taken with water in hand, and an Arghya is offered to the Sun God. Chanting specific mantras while offering the Arghya is considered highly beneficial. This day is considered very special for seeking the blessings of ancestors and asking for forgiveness for one's mistakes.
(Disclaimer: This content includes advice providing generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified spiritual or astrological opinion. Always consult a specialist for more information before adopting any measures.)