Kalabhairav Jayanti 2026
Krishna-paksha Ashtami of Margashirsha.
🕐 Which day and time to celebrate
Good windows use the same rules as the calendar’s Good Windows box — Rahu Kaal, Gulika and Yamaganda are avoided; Brahma Muhurta and Abhijit are excellent; otherwise the Choghadiya decides.
Kalabhairav Jayanti Tuesday, 1 December 2026 · best 5:21 am – 6:09 am
Krishna-paksha Ashtami of Margashirsha.
Tithi: Ashtami — 1 Dec, 12:12 am → 1 Dec, 11:14 pm. The tithi falls on a single day.
Day chosen: the day the tithi is present at sunrise (Udaya) — the common default for day-time festivals. Windows cover the whole time the tithi is active, day and night; if your family observes this festival at night or at moonrise, use the evening/night windows and check your own tradition.
| Date | Tithi active (IST) | Good windows | Avoid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuesday, 1 December 2026 ★ Recommended Tithi at sunrise |
5:21 am – 11:14 pm | ⭐ 5:21 am – 6:09 am (Excellent · Brahma) ✓ 10:51 am – 11:49 am (Good · Labh) ⭐ 11:49 am – 12:09 pm (Excellent · Abhijit) ✓ 7:04 pm – 10:28 pm (Good · Shubh, Amrit) |
Rahu Kaal 2:46 pm–4:04 pm · Yamaganda 9:33 am–10:51 am · Gulika 12:09 pm–1:28 pm |
About Kalabhairav Jayanti
Kalabhairav Jayanti marks the appearance of Kalabhairava, the fierce form of Shiva who is the guardian of time and of the city of Kashi (Varanasi).
Tithi rule: Krishna Paksha Ashtami of Margashirsha in the Purnimanta count (Kartik in the Amanta count) — also called Kalabhairav Ashtami.
🪔 How it is observed
Devotees fast, worship Bhairava at night with mustard oil lamps and black sesame, and visit Bhairava temples, especially the Kal Bhairav temple in Varanasi.
Customs vary by region and family — follow your own tradition and your family priest’s guidance.
Upcoming dates
| Date | Tithi (IST) |
|---|---|
| Tuesday, 1 December 2026 | 1 Dec, 12:12 am → 1 Dec, 11:14 pm |
| Sunday, 21 November 2027 | 20 Nov, 7:17 pm → 21 Nov, 5:20 pm |
Frequently Asked Questions
Kalabhairav Jayanti in 2026 falls on Tuesday, 1 December 2026 (tithi: 1 Dec, 12:12 am to 1 Dec, 11:14 pm IST).
In 2026 the tithi falls on a single day, Tuesday, 1 December 2026, so there is no ambiguity about the date; the table above lists the good windows that day.
Kalabhairav Jayanti marks the appearance of Kalabhairava, the fierce form of Shiva who is the guardian of time and of the city of Kashi (Varanasi).