When is the first Pradosh fast of April? Know the most accurate time and important rules of Shiva puja:

News India Live, Digital Desk: Pradosh Vrat has special significance in Hindu religion, which is considered the best day to get the blessings of Lord Shiva. The first Pradosh Vrat of April 2026 will be observed as ‘Budh Pradosh’, as it is falling on Wednesday. According to mythological beliefs, observing the fast of Budh Pradosh not only leads to victory over enemies but also gives chances of having children and increasing intellectual capacity. Shiva devotees do special worship of Mahadev and Mother Parvati on this day during Pradosh period.

Date and auspicious time: When will the fast be observed?

According to Panchang calculations, the beginning of Trayodashi date of Krishna Paksha of Vaishakh month. Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at 09:12 pm and will end with 15 April 2026, Wednesday 08:45 PM will be. Since Pradosh Vrat is worshiped at the time of sunset i.e. during Pradosh Kaal, hence according to the rising date, Budh Pradosh Vrat is observed. 15 April 2026, Wednesday Only will be kept.

Best time for worship (Shubh Muhurat)

Pradosh Kaal is the time when Mahadev resides in Shivalinga after sunset and before the arrival of night. The auspicious time of puja on 15th April is as follows:

Pradosh Kaal Puja Muhurat: From 06:45 pm to 09:02 pm.

Amrit Kaal: From 11:20 am to 12:55 pm.

wee hours: From 04:22 am to 05:08 am.

Simple worship method of Budh Pradosh fast

On this day, wake up early in the morning, after taking bath, wear clean clothes (green or white) and take a pledge to fast. Chant the name of Shiva by fasting or eating fruits throughout the day. In the evening, take bath again about 45 minutes before sunset and perform Abhishekam of Lord Shiva with Ganga water and milk in the Shiva temple or home temple. Offer Belpatra, Dhatura, Shami leaves and white sandalwood. Finally, listen to the story of Budh Pradosh fast and perform aarti with ghee lamp.

Don’t make these mistakes even by mistake: Be careful

It is mandatory to take special care of some things during Pradosh Vrat. Never use Ketaki flowers or Tulsi leaves in worship, as these are unpleasant to Mahadev. Apart from this, while offering water to Shivalinga, use a copper pot, but for offering milk, use only a steel or silver vessel. Eating Tamasic food (garlic, onion) and having hatred towards anyone during the fast makes the results of the fast ineffective.