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In Sanatan Dharma, Pradosh Vrat is considered to have special and extremely sacred significance. This Pradosh fast, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is observed on the Trayodashi date of both the fortnights of every month. By observing this fast one not only gets the blessings of Bholenath, but also gets freedom from all the troubles, sins and obstacles of life. At present, there is a lot of confusion in the minds of the devotees regarding the date of Pradosh Vrat in the month of October 2026 whether this fast will be observed on 23rd October or 24th October. Due to increase and decrease of dates according to the rules of Panchang calculation and Udaya Tithi, such doubt often arises regarding the day of fasting. If you are also confused about which day would be according to the scriptures to observe Pradosh Vrat this month, then all your confusion will be cleared in this article. Let us know the exact date of Pradosh fast of October 2026, auspicious time of puja, time of Pradosh period and complete rituals.
According to the Vedic calendar, any fast or festival is decided on the basis of their occurrence in the sunrise and pradosh kaal (sandhyakaal) of the dates. For this Pradosh fast of October 2026, it is very important to know when Trayodashi Tithi is starting and when it will end so that the full results of the fast can be achieved. According to astrological calculations, Trayodashi Tithi is entering on the evening of 23rd October and will extend till 24th October. Since the main worship of Pradosh Vrat is done during Pradosh Kaal i.e. just after sunset, worshiping Lord Shiva in the evening has special significance. According to the opinion of learned astrologers and calendarists, the day of fasting is determined keeping in mind the predominance of Pradosh Kaal. Therefore, devotees are advised to resolve their fast keeping in mind the correct rules of decay and growth of the date and worship Lord Shiva, so that the full virtue of the fast can be attained.
The best time to worship Lord Shiva on the day of Pradosh Vrat is considered to be Pradosh Kaal, which is about 45 minutes before and 45 minutes after sunset. During this time the entire atmosphere remains calm and full of spiritual energy. Devotees should be especially prepared to worship during Pradosh Kaal on this Pradosh Vrat day of October 2026. In this auspicious time, Lord Shankar, Mother Parvati, Lord Ganesha, Kartikeya and Nandi ji are worshiped with rituals. Chanting Panchakshar Mantra (Om Namah Shivay) during this time period is considered extremely fruitful. According to astrology, worship done during Pradosh period strengthens the position of the Moon in the horoscope and gives the blessing of mental peace and health. On this day, in the evening, special rituals and Rudrabhishek are organized in the temples, in which Shiva devotees come from far and wide to participate and the entire atmosphere resonates with the chants of Har Har Mahadev.
On the day of Pradosh Vrat, one should wake up before sunrise in the morning, take bath etc. and wear clean clothes. After this, one should take a pledge to fast and go to the place of worship at home or a nearby Shiva temple and prepare to worship Lord Shiva. During the puja, anointing Shivling with water, Ganga water, milk, curd, honey, ghee and Panchamrit is considered very auspicious. After Abhishek, offer Belpatra, Dhatura, Aak flowers, white sandalwood, Roli, Akshat and Janeu to Bholenath. After this, offer fruits, sweets and thandai as offerings. The most important part of the puja takes place during Pradosh Kaal, where at sunset one takes bath once again, wears clean clothes, lights a lamp and recites or listens to the story of Pradosh Vrat. After the story ends, perform Aarti and pray to God for the fulfillment of your wishes. In this fast, the fast is kept according to one’s physical capacity by giving up fruits or food and the fast is ended only after Parana on the next day.