Kalashtami 9 June

Kalashtami is a Hindu festival celebrated in honor of the avatar of Lord Shiva, known as Kaal Bhairava. The followers of Kala worship him on this day and offer special prayers and fasts to seek his blessings. Many Kala worshippers also take a dip in the Ganga river to purify themselves before performing the Kala rituals.

Celebrations on Kalashtami

The celebrations of Kalashtami involve decorating Shiva temples and wrapping Kala idols in black clothes for the Puja ceremony. Black dogs are also worshipped as they are considered the vehicle of Bhairava. The Kala Vrat is a fast observed by devotees to seek happiness and wealth.

Rituals performed on Kalashtami. 

The rituals of Kalashtami begin with taking a bath and offering prayers to Kala for his blessings. Afterward, prayers are offered to Lord Shiva for the salvation of ancestors. Bhairav Puja is then performed, followed by reciting Bhairav Manters before the idol of Bhairava. A ritualistic recitation of the Katha praising Bhairava follows the Manters recitation. In the end, gifts are given to Bhairava idols, and they are washed in the Ganga river.

Dogs, especially black ones, are worshipped and offered Puja after the Kala Puja as they are believed to be the vehicle of Bhairava. Food products and new Kali dresses are also donated to poor Kala worshippers as part of the donation activity.

Overall, Kalashtami is a day of great significance for Kala worshippers as it provides an opportunity to seek blessings and spiritual growth.