Kalabhairav Jayanti 2026 Date, Tithi and Puja Vidhi: 1 Dec
Kalabhairav Jayanti 2026 falls on Tuesday, 1 December 2026. As per Drik Panchang for Mumbai, the Krishna Paksha Ashtami tithi begins at 12:11 AM on 1 December and ends at 11:13 PM the same day, so the whole civil day carries the Ashtami.
Kalabhairav Jayanti marks the day Lord Kalabhairav, the fierce form of Lord Shiva, is believed to have appeared. It is also called Bhairava Ashtami, Kaal Bhairav Ashtami or Bhairava Jayanti. Because it is a night vrat, most devotees keep the main puja and jagaran after sunset.
Quick facts: Kalabhairav Jayanti 2026
Date: Tuesday, 1 December 2026
Ashtami tithi begins: 12:11 AM, 1 December 2026 (Mumbai)
Ashtami tithi ends: 11:13 PM, 1 December 2026 (Mumbai)
Hindu month: Margashirsha Krishna Paksha in the Purnimanta calendar, Kartika Krishna Paksha in the Amanta calendar used in Maharashtra
Deity: Lord Kalabhairav, a fierce form of Shiva
Source: Drik Panchang, Mumbai timings
When is Kalabhairav Jayanti in 2026 and is the date the same in every city?
The tithi covers the full day of 1 December in Mumbai, so there is no confusion between two dates this year. Other Indian cities may show timings that differ by a few minutes, but the date is the same across India. Outside India, for example in the USA, the Ashtami night can fall on 30 November, so overseas devotees should check a local panchang.
Why the Amanta and Purnimanta names confuse people
In North India the month is called Margashirsha, because the Purnimanta calendar ends a month on the full moon. In Maharashtra, Gujarat and much of South India the Amanta calendar ends a month on the new moon, so the same Ashtami falls in Kartika. Both name the same day. If a relative says the festival is in Kartika and another says Margashirsha, they are not disagreeing.
Who is Kalabhairav and what does the festival mean?
Drik Panchang describes Bhairava as a fearsome form of Lord Shiva. The name is explained as the one who is terrible, or the destroyer of fear. A well known story says Brahma and Vishnu once argued about who was superior, and Shiva appeared as Kalabhairav to settle the matter. Hindu texts describe him as the Lord of Time, and devotees pray to him for courage and protection from fear.
Kalabhairav Jayanti puja vidhi at home
The following is a simple outline based on the vrat method described by Drik Panchang citing Shiva Rahasya. Families follow their own customs, so adapt it to your tradition.
Wake early, bathe and take a sankalpa to keep the fast.
Clean the puja space and place an image or idol of Lord Bhairava, or of Lord Shiva if you do not have one.
Light a lamp and offer flowers, incense and naivedya.
Drik Panchang notes that worship is done in every prahara of the night, with three arghya offered to the Lord while reciting the three arghya mantras.
After the arghya, devotees stay awake through the night, listening to or reciting the stories and glories of Lord Shiva. This is the jagaran.
Puja samagri list
Photo or idol of Kalabhairav or Shiva
Oil or ghee lamp and matchbox
Incense sticks and camphor
Flowers and a garland, dark red or white flowers are common
Fruits and a simple sweet for naivedya
Water in a copper or brass vessel for arghya
Bel leaves, if your family uses them for Shiva puja
Black sesame and mustard oil lamp, used in some traditions on Bhairava days
What to eat during the fast
Fasting rules differ by family. Some keep a full nirjala fast until night, some eat fruits and milk, and some eat a single sattvic meal after the evening puja. Avoid onion, garlic and non-vegetarian food on the day. If you have a medical condition, are pregnant or elderly, choose a lighter fast. Devotion matters more than strictness.
Do's and don'ts on Kalabhairav Jayanti
Do keep the day calm and truthful, and give food or a meal to those in need, since charity is widely practised on this day.
Do visit a Bhairava or Shiva temple if you can. In Maharashtra, Bhairavnath temples are common in many towns, and Kal Bhairav temples in Kashi and Ujjain draw large crowds.
Do not treat the day as a reason to fear. Bhairava is described as the remover of fear.
Do not post unverified claims about guaranteed results from the puja. Keep your belief personal.
Do not be harsh towards animals. Dogs are associated with Bhairava in tradition, and many people feed stray dogs on this day.
Kalashtami and Kalabhairav Jayanti: what is the difference?
Every month the Krishna Paksha Ashtami is observed as Masik Kalashtami, a monthly Bhairava worship day. Kalabhairav Jayanti is the special annual Ashtami in the month of Margashirsha (Kartika in Amanta). So Kalashtami happens about twelve times a year, while the Jayanti is the biggest one.
Final note
All timings above are from Drik Panchang for Mumbai. Always confirm with your local panchang, family priest or temple, especially if you live in another city. Your family tradition decides the final puja method.
See also on IndiaAsk: Kartik Purnima 2026 Date and Time in Mumbai: 24 Nov.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When is Kalabhairav Jayanti in 2026?
Kalabhairav Jayanti 2026 is on Tuesday, 1 December. As per Drik Panchang for Mumbai, the Ashtami tithi begins at 12:11 AM on 1 December and ends at 11:13 PM the same day, so the festival is observed on that single day across India.
Is Kalabhairav Jayanti the same as Kalashtami?
They are related but not the same. Kalashtami is the monthly Krishna Paksha Ashtami dedicated to Bhairava. Kalabhairav Jayanti is the annual special Ashtami in Margashirsha, or Kartika in the Amanta calendar, marking the appearance of Lord Kalabhairav. It is considered the most important of the year.
What time should Kalabhairav puja be done?
Drik Panchang says the Ratri Vyapini Ashtami should be observed for this fast, meaning the night when Ashtami is present. In 2026 the tithi lasts until 11:13 PM in Mumbai, so many devotees do the main puja and jagaran after sunset. Ask your priest for your family custom.
What is offered to Lord Kalabhairav?
Common offerings are flowers, incense, a lamp, fruits and a simple sweet, along with water for arghya. Some families add black sesame or mustard oil lamps, and many feed stray dogs. Offerings vary by tradition, so follow what your family or local temple does.
Can we keep a fast on Kalabhairav Jayanti?
Yes, devotees keep a vrat on this day, either fully or in a light form with fruits and milk. Avoid onion, garlic and non-vegetarian food. Elderly people, pregnant women and anyone with a health condition should choose a lighter fast and consult a doctor if needed.
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