Updated: Nov 14, 2025 13:33 PM |
About | Related Information | Read Also
Bhishma Ashtami Date: Monday, 26 January 2026
The date of Magh Shukla Ashtami is celebrated as the death anniversary of Bhishma Pitamah, hence this death anniversary is known as Bhishma Ashtami. Bhishma Pitamah had the boon of choosing the time of death by his own will.
Even after being greatly injured in the battle of Mahabharat, Bhishma Pitamah did not sacrifice his body on the strength of his boon. Pitamah chose the day of Magha Shukla Ashtami to relinquish his body because by this time Suryadev was beginning to depart towards Uttarayan.
| Related Name | Magha Shukla Ashtami |
| Begins Tithi | Magh Shukla Ashtami |
| Reason | The death anniversary of Bhishma Pitamah. |
| Celebrations | Ekodishta Shraddha of Bhishma Pitamah. |
माघ शुक्ल अष्टमी की तिथि को भीष्म पितामह की पुण्यतिथि के रूप मे मनाया जाता है, अतः इस पुण्यतिथि को भीष्म अष्टमी के नाम से जाना जाता है।
Importance of Bhishma Ashtami
During the Kurukshetra War, Bhishma was seriously injured and lying on a bed of arrows, yet he waited for the auspicious moment of Uttarayan (the movement of the Sun in the northern direction) to give up his body. This is considered especially virtuous in Hindu belief.
❀ It is believed that performing Tarpan and Shraddha on this day destroys the sins of ancestors and brings peace to the ancestors.
❀ Those who observe this fast receive auspicious results such as the birth of a cultured child and relief from ancestral debt.
Bhishma Ashtami Worship Method
❀ Take a bath in the morning and wear moist clothes.
❀ Facing south, perform Tarpan with water, sesame seeds, Kusha grass, etc.
❀ Offer rice grains, flowers, incense, and lamps to Bhishma Pitamah.
❀ Feeding Brahmins and giving charity are also considered auspicious.
❀ Because Bhishma was a devotee of Lord Vishnu, many people chant the Vishnu Sahasranama (1000 names of Vishnu) and perform special pujas.
❀ If you are breaking your fast or not fasting completely, eat simple, sattvic food.
Where is Bhishma Ashtami celebrated?
❀ In Bengal, this ritual involves special prayers dedicated to Bhishma Pitamah.
❀ Many Vishnu temples and organizations like ISKCON organize special programs on this day.
Related Information
Futures Dates
14 February 20273 February 202823 January 202910 February 2030
Frequency
Yearly / Annual
Begins Tithi
Magh Shukla Ashtami
Ends Tithi
Magh Shukla Ashtami
Months
January / February
Reason
The death anniversary of Bhishma Pitamah.
Celebrations
Ekodishta Shraddha of Bhishma Pitamah.
Past Dates
5 February 2025, 16 February 2024
If you love this festival please
like,
share or
comment!
Follow Bhakti Bharat Whatsapp Channel »
Bookmark / Save this festival for future
* Please share any of your suggestions or ideas with us.
** Please write your any type of feedback or suggestion(s) on our contact us page. Whatever you think, (+) or (-) doesn't metter!
