The New Year 2026 is bringing with it a very rare and spiritually significant coincidence related to Pradosh Vrat. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Pradosh Vrat is observed on the Trayodashi Tithi (13th lunar day) twice every Hindu month—once during the Krishna Paksha and once during the Shukla Paksha. In total, there are 24 Pradosh Vrats in a year. Worship of Lord Shiva during the Pradosh Kaal (the time around sunset) is considered extremely auspicious.
What makes 2026 special is that the very first day of the year itself falls on Pradosh Vrat. Moreover, the first month of the year will witness three Pradosh Vrats, which is considered a rare occurrence. Let’s take a closer look at this unique alignment.
Pradosh Vrat on the First Day of 2026January 1, 2026, falls on the Trayodashi Tithi of the Shukla Paksha in the Paush month. Since this day is a Thursday, it will be observed as Guru Pradosh Vrat. Thursdays are dedicated to Lord Vishnu, while Pradosh Vrat is devoted to Lord Shiva. This creates a powerful and rare opportunity for the combined worship of Hari (Vishnu) and Har (Shiva) on the very first day of the New Year, making it especially auspicious for devotees.
Pradosh Vrat Dates in January 2026January 2026 will be unique as it will have three Pradosh Vrats:
January 1, 2026: Paush month, Shukla Paksha – Guru Pradosh Vrat
January 16, 2026: Magh month, Krishna Paksha – Pradosh Vrat
January 30, 2026: Magh month, Shukla Paksha – Shukra Pradosh Vrat
Such a combination in a single month is considered highly rare and spiritually rewarding.
Date and Auspicious Timing of the First Pradosh VratAccording to the Vedic Panchang, the Trayodashi Tithi on January 1, 2026, will begin at around 1:47 AM and end at approximately 10:22 PM.
The Pradosh Kaal, regarded as the most auspicious time for Lord Shiva’s worship, will be from 5:35 PM to 8:19 PM. This period, occurring near sunset, is believed to be especially powerful for devotion and prayers to Mahadev.
On the day of Pradosh Vrat, devotees should wake up early in the morning, take a bath, and observe the fast with a sincere vow. In the evening, set up a Shivling or idols of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati at the place of worship.
Prepare Panchamrit using milk, curd, ghee, honey, and Ganga water, and perform Abhishek of the Shivling. Offer bel leaves, dhatura, akshat (unbroken rice), white flowers, and oleander flowers, as these are considered especially dear to Lord Shiva. Chant the mantra “Om Namah Shivaya” continuously and recite the Shiva Chalisa or Pradosh Vrat Katha.
Light a lamp, perform the aarti, and pray for forgiveness for any mistakes made during the worship. After completing the fast, devotees may consume fruits or prasad.
With such a rare spiritual alignment, Pradosh Vrat at the beginning of 2026 offers devotees a powerful opportunity to seek divine blessings, peace, and prosperity for the year ahead.
