Shukra Pradosh Vrat 2026: October 23 or 24? Check the Correct Date, Trayodashi Tithi, Pradosh Kaal and Puja Vidhi

Shukra Pradosh Vrat 2026 Date and Timings

Shukra Pradosh Vrat will be observed on Friday, October 23, 2026. The vrat falls on Trayodashi, the thirteenth lunar day, of the Shukla Paksha, or waxing phase of the Moon. Since the observance falls on a Friday, it is known as Shukra Pradosh Vrat.

According to the New Delhi panchang, the important timings are:

• Shukra Pradosh Vrat date: Friday, October 23, 2026
• Trayodashi Tithi begins: 2:35 PM on October 23
• Trayodashi Tithi ends: 1:36 PM on October 24
• Pradosh Kaal: 5:44 PM to 8:16 PM

Why Is Shukra Pradosh Vrat Observed on October 23 and Not October 24?

Trayodashi Tithi continues into Saturday, October 24, but the Pradosh observance is associated with the evening period around sunset. The relevant Pradosh Kaal falls on Friday, October 23, which is why the vrat is observed that day. Devotees should follow the local panchang and family tradition when determining the exact time for worship.

Significance of Shukra Pradosh Vrat

Pradosh Vrat is observed twice in most lunar months, on the Trayodashi Tithi of the Shukla Paksha and Krishna Paksha. The observance is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, with evening worship considered particularly important.

The name Shukra Pradosh comes from the combination of Pradosh Vrat and Shukravar, the Sanskrit name for Friday. In Hindu tradition, Friday is associated with Venus, known as Shukra, and is also commonly associated with Goddess Lakshmi. However, the central focus of Pradosh Vrat remains the worship of Lord Shiva.

Devotees observe this vrat with the belief that sincere prayers can bring peace, spiritual strength, harmony and blessings to the household. Some also observe it with prayers for relationship well-being and prosperity. These are traditional religious beliefs rather than guaranteed outcomes.

Shukra Pradosh Vrat Puja Vidhi

The main worship takes place during Pradosh Kaal. Devotees can perform the puja at home or visit a Shiva temple, following their family customs.

1. Prepare for the Vrat

Wake up in the morning, bathe and wear clean clothes. Those observing a fast may take a sankalp, or personal vow, to worship Lord Shiva with devotion and complete the vrat according to their capacity.

Clean the puja area and arrange the necessary offerings before the evening rituals.

2. Arrange the Puja Samagri

Commonly used puja items include:

• Water and milk for the abhishek, if performed
• Belpatra (bilva leaves)
• Flowers
• Sandalwood paste
• Fruits and seasonal offerings
• Incense sticks and a diya
• Sweets or other suitable prasad
• A picture or idol of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati

The precise list can vary by household and regional tradition. Use offerings that are appropriate to your custom.

3. Worship Lord Shiva During Pradosh Kaal

Begin the evening puja during the locally applicable Pradosh Kaal. Offer water to the Shiva Lingam or perform abhishek according to temple or household practice. Milk may also be offered where customary.

Offer belpatra, flowers, sandalwood paste and incense. Light a diya and pray to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati for peace, well-being and spiritual guidance.

4. Chant Shiva Mantras

Devotees may chant Om Namah Shivaya during the puja. Those familiar with the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra may recite it according to their practice.

There is no need to include multiple long mantra sequences in the ritual. Choose a prayer or mantra that you can recite with attention and devotion.

5. Read the Pradosh Vrat Katha

Read or listen to the traditional Pradosh Vrat Katha during the evening worship. After the katha, offer prayers to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Perform aarti and distribute the prasad among family members.

6. Complete the Puja

Conclude the rituals with a prayer for the well-being of the family and all living beings. Continue the fast according to your chosen observance and follow your family's customary practice for ending it.

Shukra Pradosh Vrat Katha

One commonly recited account associated with Pradosh worship recalls the Samudra Manthan, or churning of the cosmic ocean.

According to Hindu mythology, the devas and asuras joined forces to churn the ocean in search of amrit, the nectar of immortality. During the process, a deadly poison known as Halahala emerged. Its destructive power threatened the universe, leaving the devas and asuras unable to contain the danger.

They approached Lord Shiva and sought his help. In response, Shiva took the poison into his throat to protect creation. Goddess Parvati intervened to prevent the poison from spreading through his body, and it remained in his throat, giving him the name Neelkantha, meaning the blue-throated one.

The episode is remembered as an example of Shiva's compassion, sacrifice and willingness to protect the universe. Pradosh worship is traditionally associated with devotion to Shiva during the twilight period, when devotees seek his blessings through prayer, fasting and the recitation of sacred stories.

Shukra Pradosh Vrat Fasting Rules

Fasting practices differ according to personal capacity, health, family tradition and religious custom. A strict fast is not the only way devotees may observe the day.

What Can You Eat During Shukra Pradosh Vrat?

Depending on their chosen observance, devotees may consume fruits, milk, water and vrat-friendly foods. Those following a stricter fast may avoid food for the designated period. Many households avoid grains, pulses, onion and garlic during fasting, but the rules are not identical across all traditions.

People who are pregnant, unwell, taking medication or managing a medical condition should not undertake a restrictive fast without appropriate medical guidance.

Can You Perform Shukra Pradosh Puja at Home?

Yes. Devotees can perform the puja at home by offering prayers to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati during Pradosh Kaal. A Shiva Lingam is not essential for every form of household worship; devotees may pray before an image of Shiva if that is consistent with their practice.

When Should You Break the Shukra Pradosh Vrat?

The time for completing the fast depends on the fasting method and family tradition. Some devotees conclude the main observance after the evening puja and prasad, while others follow specific rules for continuing the fast. Follow the practice you have undertaken rather than assuming that every household follows the same parana time.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Shukra Pradosh Vrat on October 23 or 24, 2026?
   Shukra Pradosh Vrat will be observed on Friday, October 23, 2026, because the relevant Pradosh period falls that evening. Trayodashi Tithi ends on October 24.
2. What is the Pradosh Kaal timing on October 23?
   For New Delhi, the listed Pradosh Kaal is approximately 5:44 PM to 8:16 PM. Timings can differ by city and panchang.
3. Which deities are worshipped during Shukra Pradosh Vrat?
   Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are the principal deities worshipped during Pradosh Vrat.
4. Which mantra can be chanted during Pradosh Vrat?
   Devotees commonly chant Om Namah Shivaya. Other Shiva prayers may also be recited according to personal or family tradition.
5. Is fasting compulsory for Pradosh Vrat?
   Fasting is a customary part of the observance, but practices vary. Devotees may choose a form of fasting suited to their health and circumstances while maintaining their prayers and worship.