According to the Tamil Panchangam, Pradosham (பிரதோஷம்) occurs on the Trayodashi Tithi (திரயோதசி திதி) during both Valarpirai (வளர்பிறை) and Theipirai (தேய்பிறை) phases. Pradosha Kalam is observed during the 2 hours before sunset, which is considered highly auspicious for Lord Shiva worship.
Pradosham is a special time when Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi bless devotees with அருள், சக்தி, பாவ விமோசனம், and தோஷ நிவாரணம். The Vratham is often observed to remove karmic obstacles and gain spiritual upliftment.
Below is the complete Pradosham 2026 dates list prepared as per Tamil Panchangam Thithi and timing guidelines.
Pradosham 2026 Dates List
| Month | Pradosham Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| January 2026 | January 1 | Thursday |
| January 16 | Friday | |
| January 30 | Friday | |
| February 2026 | February 14 | Saturday |
| March 2026 | March 1 | Sunday |
| March 16 | Monday | |
| March 30 | Monday | |
| April 2026 | April 15 | Wednesday |
| April 29 | Wednesday | |
| May 2026 | May 14 | Thursday |
| May 28 | Thursday | |
| June 2026 | June 12 | Friday |
| June 27 | Saturday | |
| July 2026 | July 12 | Sunday |
| July 26 | Sunday | |
| August 2026 | August 10 | Monday |
| August 25 | Tuesday | |
| September 2026 | September 8 | Tuesday |
| September 24 | Thursday | |
| October 2026 | October 8 | Thursday |
| October 23 | Friday | |
| November 2026 | November 6 | Friday |
| November 22 | Monday | |
| December 2026 | December 6 | Sunday |
| December 21 | Monday |
What is Pradosham According to Tamil Panchangam?
In Tamil Panchangam, Pradosham is observed on the day when Trayodashi Tithi prevails during Pradosha Kalam (1.5–2 hours before sunset). This period is called:
- பிரதோஷ காலம்
- சாயந்திர கால பூஜை நேரம்
If Trayodashi overlaps with this timing, that day is marked as Pradosham.
There are two Pradoshams every month:
- Valarpirai Pradosham (வளர்பிறை பிரதோஷம்) – After Amavasai
- Theipirai Pradosham (தேய்பிறை பிரதோஷம்) – After Pournami
Special Types of Pradosham
- Soma Pradosham – Monday Pradosham
- Shani Pradosham – Saturday Pradosham
- Guru/Budha Pradosham – Considered auspicious for wealth and career
Significance of Pradosham as per Tamil Tradition
Tamil Shaivite scriptures say that during Pradosha Kalam:
- Lord Shiva performs the Aananda Thandavam
- The Devatas and Rishis offer worship
- Devotees performing puja receive பிரதோஷ புண்ணியம்
Pradosham vratham is believed to give:
- Removal of past-life karma
- Family peace and happiness
- Relief from job/business obstacles
- Cure from chronic doshas
- Protection from negative energies
How to Perform Pradosham Pooja (Tamil Panchangam Method)
Devotees usually follow:
- Fasting till sunset (optional)
- Abhishekam with milk, water, curd, honey, Vilva leaves
- Chanting Om Namah Shivaya
- Lighting Deepam
- Visiting Shiva temples during evening
- Offering Vilva archana and Ghee lamps
Important Tamil temples for Pradosham:
- Thiruvannamalai
- Chidambaram
- Srikalahasti
- Kashi Vishwanath
- Thiruvanaikaval
- Thiruchendur (for Shiva inside premises)
FAQ – Pradosham 2026
1. How many Pradosham days are there in 2026?
As per Tamil Panchangam, 25 Pradosham days occur in 2026.
2. Which Pradoshams are most powerful?
- Soma Pradosham (on Monday)
- Shani Pradosham (on Saturday)
These are especially auspicious.
3. What is the correct Pradosham Pooja timing?
Pooja must be performed during Pradosha Kalam, the 1.5–2 hours before sunset.
4. Can we observe fasting without strict rules?
Yes. Tamil tradition allows Saiyam, Dhavanai, Pal Abhishekam, or even simple chanting if fasting is difficult.
5. Should Trayodashi be present at sunset?
Yes. According to Tamil Panchangam, Trayodashi must be present during Pradosha Kalam for the day to be marked as Pradosham.