Mahaluxmi Vrata begins
festivalsAlso known as: Mahaluxmi Vrata begins, Mahaluxmi Vrata ends
Quick Overview
- Date in 2026
- Friday, September 18, 2026
- Tithi
- Bhadrapada Shukla Ashtami (Purnimanta)
- Tithi begins / ends
- 01:02 PM, Sep 18 to 03:28 PM, Sep 19
- Lunar month
- Bhadrapada · Shukla Paksha
- Also on this tithi
- Radhashtami, Radha Ashtami
Mahaluxmi Vrata begins
Friday, September 18, 2026
Lunar Month: Bhadrapada
Mahaluxmi Vrata begins at a Glance
Mahaluxmi Vrata begins is fixed by the lunar calendar to Bhadrapada Shukla Ashtami, the 8th tithi of the waxing (Shukla) fortnight of Bhadrapada.
- Tithi rule
- Bhadrapada Shukla Ashtami (Purnimanta)Shukla AshtamiBhadrapada month
- Tithi swami and group
- Shiva · Jaya Tithi
- Also on this tithi
- RadhashtamiRadha Ashtami
Panchanga on This Day
Mahaluxmi Vrata begins · Sep 18, 2026
About Mahaluxmi Vrata begins
Mahaluxmi Vrata is a sacred vow dedicated to Goddess Mahalakshmi, the great form of Goddess Lakshmi who presides over wealth, virtue, courage, and household welfare. It is especially observed by married women for the long life and prosperity of their husbands and families.
In many traditions, the vrata begins on the Shukla Paksha Ashtami of Bhadrapada month and continues for sixteen days, concluding on the Krishna Paksha Ashtami of Ashwina month. During this period, the Goddess is worshipped daily with sixteen-fold offerings (Shodashopachara Puja).
The vow is popular in Maharashtra, Karnataka, and other parts of South India. It emphasizes purity, devotion, hospitality toward married women, and the belief that sincere observance removes poverty, illness, and discord from the home.
Vrat Vidhi & Fasting Rules
Women observe a strict sixteen-day discipline of fasting, worship, and charity under the guidance of the Mahalakshmi Katha.
- Bathe early each morning and maintain strict cleanliness throughout the house.
- Install an image or kalash representing Goddess Mahalakshmi and worship her with Shodashopachara (sixteen upacharas) daily.
- Recite the Mahalakshmi Vrata Katha and chant Lakshmi mantras and the Lakshmi Ashtottara Shatanamavali.
- Fast partially or fully, abstaining from non-vegetarian food, alcohol, garlic, and onion for the entire period.
- On completion day (Udyapana), invite married women, feed them a feast, give gifts, and donate to the poor.
Vrat Katha: The Boon of Charumati
A devoted woman named Charumati lived with her husband and family in great poverty, yet she remained pious and hospitable. One night, Goddess Mahalakshmi appeared to her in a dream and taught her a sixteen-day vow.
Charumati faithfully observed the vow, worshipping the Goddess daily, feeding Brahmins and married women, and maintaining purity. Her home began to overflow with prosperity, health, and happiness.
Seeing her transformation, the other women of the town also began observing Mahaluxmi Vrata. Since then, married women have performed this vow to invite the eternal presence of Mahalakshmi into their homes.
Mahaluxmi Vrata begins: Frequently Asked Questions
Bhadrapada Shukla Ashtami; its swami is Shiva, a Jaya Tithi.
Shukla Ashtami: 01:02 PM, Fri, Sep 18, 2026 to 03:28 PM, Sat, Sep 19, 2026 (IST).
Bhadrapada Shukla Ashtami: 11:29 AM, Tue, Sep 7, 2027 to 12:45 PM, Wed, Sep 8, 2027 (IST).
Radhashtami and Radha Ashtami, also on Bhadrapada Shukla Ashtami.
Traditionally it is for married women, but any devotee may worship Mahalakshmi with sincerity.
Non-vegetarian food, alcohol, onion, garlic, and tamasic foods are avoided to maintain purity.
Festivals in the Same Lunar Month
Bhadrapada
Note: times are shown with their date; a Panchang day runs from sunrise to sunrise.
Recommended Pages
Comprehensive annual Hindu calendar with tithis and festivals.
Detailed month-wise view of lunar tithis and celestial events.
Marathi Panchang and festive dates for the year.
Gujarati Vikram Samvat calendar and festivals.
Telugu calendar and festive Panchangam details.
Tamil solar calendar dates and monthly Panchangam.