Som Pradosh Vrat in March 2026 will be observed on Monday, 16 March. This sacred fast is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is observed on the Trayodashi tithi during the evening Pradosh period. When Pradosh coincides with a Monday, it is called Som Pradosh, which is considered highly auspicious by devotees.
On this day, many devotees observe a fast and offer prayers during the evening Pradosh Kaal, seeking the blessings of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati for peace, prosperity, and the removal of obstacles.
Som Pradosh Vrat 2026 DateDate: Monday, 16 March 2026
Lunar Month: Chaitra
Paksha: Krishna Paksha
Tithi: Trayodashi (13th lunar day)
Som Pradosh occurs when the Pradosh fast falls on a Monday, making it especially significant for devotees of Lord Shiva. On this day, devotees usually observe a fast and perform Shiva puja during the evening Pradosh Kaal.
Trayodashi Tithi TimingsThe vrat is observed based on the presence of Trayodashi tithi during the evening Pradosh period.
Trayodashi begins: 9:40 AM, 16 March 2026
Trayodashi ends: 9:23 AM, 17 March 2026
Since Trayodashi remains active during the evening hours of 16 March, Som Pradosh Vrat will be observed on this day.
Pradosh Kaal Puja MuhuratThe most important time for worshipping Lord Shiva is Pradosh Kaal, which occurs shortly after sunset.
Pradosh Kaal: approximately 6:30 PM – 8:54 PM (IST)
Duration: about 2 hours 24 minutes
This period around sunset is considered the most auspicious time to offer prayers to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
Panchang Details for 16 March 2026Key Panchang highlights for the day include:
Day: Monday
Tithi: Krishna Dwadashi until morning, followed by Trayodashi
Nakshatra: Dhanishta
Moon Sign: Capricorn (Makara)
These astrological details help determine the appropriate timing for religious observances in traditional Hindu calendars.
Why Som Pradosh Vrat Is Considered SpecialWhile Pradosh fasting itself holds great significance in Hindu tradition, the Monday observance is believed to carry additional spiritual importance.
Many devotees believe that observing Som Pradosh Vrat can:
help remove negative karma and obstacles
bring mental calm and emotional balance
reduce Moon-related astrological doshas
promote peace and harmony in relationships
fulfil sincere wishes through devotion to Lord Shiva
The focus of the vrat is the evening worship during Pradosh Kaal, which is believed to be a powerful time for receiving divine blessings.
How to Observe Som Pradosh Vrat
The vrat is simple and emphasizes devotion rather than elaborate rituals.
Common practices followed by devotees include:Wake up early and take a bath to begin the day with purity.
Take a vrat sankalp, a personal vow to observe the fast.
Many devotees keep a full-day fast, while some consume fruits, milk, or light sattvic food.
In the evening during Pradosh Kaal, devotees perform Shiva puja.
Typical offerings include:water or milk abhishek on the Shivling
bel patra leaves
white flowers
incense and a diya
Devotees often chant “Om Namah Shivaya” or the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra, followed by Shiva Aarti. The fast is usually broken after the evening puja.
Som Pradosh Vrat on 16 March 2026 brings together two sacred elements — the auspicious Pradosh evening and the sacred day of Lord Shiva. For devotees, the observance is less about strict ritual and more about devotion, reflection, and gratitude.