New Delhi: Kalashtami is a Hindu festival that celebrates Lord Kaal Bhairva, who is considered the fierce incarnation of lord Shiva. Kalashtami falls every month on Ashtami tithi of Krishna paksha.

On this day, The devotees fast, offer prayers, perform rituals, and make offerings to please lord Kaal Bhairva. It is believed as one of the most auspicious days because worshiping lord Bhairva wards off negativity and bestows blessings of peace, harmony, and prosperity.

Importantly, people visit the very famous Kaal Bhairva temple in Ujjain and offer prayers.

Significance

On this day of Kalashtami, people offer Bhog and prepare various dishes to offer to lord Kaal Bhairva. He is considered the guardian of all the temples. People suffering from the malefic effect of Rahu consider this festival very important and perform rituals to get rid of all the evil energies.

Date and Timings

According to the Panchang, this 13^th of April will be observed as Kalashtami. It will begin at 3:44 AM on the 13th of April and will end at 1:34 AM on the 14th of April.

Rituals

Interestingly, the devotees of Kaal Bhairva offer him liquor and milk. There are various rituals that are performed by the devotees. Some include waking up early in the morning and cleansing oneself, offering prayer, preparing Bhog, and fasting the whole day. The fast is then broken the next evening after successfully finishing all rituals.

Further, the devotees light up Diyas with mustard oil and do Aarti.

It is said that Lord Kaal Bhairva bless their devotees with wealth and keeps all the evil energies away from them.