Bhadra Kaal Dates 2026: Complete List & Timings to Avoid in Hindu Calendar
In Vedic Astrology, the selection of a "Shubh Muhurat"(Auspicious Time) is crucial for the success of any endeavor, be it a wedding, housewarming(Griha Pravesh), or starting a new business.One of the most dreaded periods in the Panchang is Bhadra Kaal (also known as Vishti Karana). It is widely believed that auspicious works undertaken during Bhadra are destined to fail or face severe obstacles.
But what exactly is Bhadra ? And is it always bad ? This guide provides the complete list of Bhadra dates for 2026 along with the mythology and practical rules for modern life.
What is Bhadra(Vishti Karana) ?
In the Hindu Panchang, a Tithi(Lunar Day) is divided into two halves called "Karanas." There are 11 Karanas in total.The 7th Karana is Vishti , which is personified as Bhadra. Mythology states that Bhadra is the daughter of Surya (Sun God) and the sister of Shani (Saturn). Like her brother, she is strict, harsh, and destructive to those who disrespect time.
She was known to disturb Yagnas and auspicious ceremonies.To control her, Lord Brahma assigned her the "Vishti Karana" of the calendar, decreeing that anyone who performs auspicious deeds during her time will face difficulties, but those who perform "Krura Karma"(Harsh deeds like fighting enemies or legal battles) will succeed.
Complete List of Bhadra Kaal Dates 2026
Below is the schedule of Bhadra times for 2026. Please note that these are standard times(IST).If the Bhadra is resident in the "Mrityu Lok"(Earth) at these times, it is most malefic. (Moon in Cancer, Leo, Aquarius, Pisces makes Bhadra inhabit Earth).
| Date | Start Time(IST) | End Time(IST) |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 2(Fri) | 6:53 PM | Jan 3, 5: 11 AM |
| Jan 5(Mon) | 8:53 PM | Jan 6, 8:01 AM |
| Jan 9(Fri) | 7:05 AM | 7: 39 PM |
| Jan 13(Tue) | 1:59 AM | 3: 17 PM |
| Jan 16(Fri) | 10:21 PM | Jan 17, 11: 15 AM |
| Jan 22(Thu) | 2:40 PM | Jan 23, 2: 28 AM |
| Jan 25(Sun) | 11:10 PM | Jan 26, 10: 16 AM |
| Jan 29(Thu) | 3:16 AM | 1: 55 PM |
| February 2026 | ||
| Feb 1(Sun) | 5:52 AM | 4: 42 PM |
| Feb 4(Wed) | 12:19 PM | Feb 5, 12:09 AM |
| Feb 8(Sun) | 2:54 AM | 3: 54 PM |
| Feb 11(Wed) | 11:12 PM | Feb 12, 12: 22 PM |
| Feb 21(Sat) | 1:51 AM | 1:00 PM |
| March 2026 | ||
| Mar 2(Mon) | 5:55 PM | Mar 3, 5: 28 AM |
| Mar 6(Fri) | 5:24 AM | 5: 53 PM |
| Mar 9(Mon) | 11:27 PM | Mar 10, 12: 40 PM |
| Mar 17(Tue) | 9:23 AM | 8: 59 PM |
| Mar 25(Wed) | 1:50 PM | Mar 26, 12: 47 AM |
| April 2026 | ||
| Apr 1(Wed) | 7:06 AM | 7: 20 PM |
| Apr 4(Sat) | 11:01 PM | Apr 5, 11: 59 AM |
| Apr 8(Wed) | 7:01 PM | Apr 9, 8: 12 AM |
| Apr 15(Wed) | 10:31 PM | Apr 16, 9: 25 AM |
| Apr 30(Thu) | 9:12 PM | May 1, 10:00 AM |
| May 2026 | ||
| May 4(Mon) | 4:12 PM | May 5, 5: 24 AM |
| May 12(Tue) | 3:14 AM | 2: 52 PM |
| May 23(Sat) | 5:04 AM | 4: 40 PM |
| May 30(Sat) | 11:57 AM | May 31, 1:05 AM |
What to Avoid during Bhadra Kaal ?
- Marriage(Vivah): Strict prohibition. Bhadra destroys marital harmony.
- House Warming(Griha Pravesh): Entering a new home during Bhadra invites conflict and fire hazards.
- Travel(Yatra): Journeying in the direction of Bhadra is dangerous.
- Mundan(Tonsure): Avoid shaving a child's head.
- Raksha Bandhan: Tying Rakhi during Bhadra is said to be unlucky for the brother (Mythology of Ravana's sister tying Rakhi in Bhadra led to his destruction).
What is Allowed ? (The Exceptions)
Not all actions are forbidden.You can perform:
- Legal Actions: Filing a lawsuit or fighting an enemy.
- Tantra / Havan: Specific fire rituals to destroy negativity.
- Surgery: Cutting/severing actions are sometimes permitted if urgent.
- Night Exception: If Bhadra occurs at night, it is sometimes considered less malefic for day-time activities (check with a local Pandit).
How to Use this Information ?
Use this calendar as a general "Red Flag" list.If you are planning a major life event on these dates, stop and consult a Vedic Astrologer to check the exact "Bhadra Mukha" (Face of Bhadra - Bad) vs "Bhadra Puchha" (Tail of Bhadra - Good). Sometimes, the "Tail" period is actually auspicious for victory.
