Bhishma Ashtami
bhishma ashtami sanskrit भीष्माष्टमी romanized bhīṣmāṣṭamī hindu observance commemorates death anniversary bhishma character hindu epic mahabharata bhishma regarded chosen die battlefield kurukshetra propitious period known uttarayana bhishma ashtami observed month magha hindu calendar corresponds month january–february bhishma ashtami minor holiday observed bengal part southern india remembrance bhishma warrior believed fought died kurukshetra war featured mahabharata according epic bhishma son shantanu given son boon would allowed choose day death icchāmṛtyu bhishma taken oath marry would ever remain faithful father throne anniversary bhishmas death observed magha shukla ashtami eighth day fortnight month magha according legend associated day bhishma waited day leaving body would pas auspicious day uttarayana mark northward passage sun completing sixmonth period dakshinayana hindu believe one dy uttarayana go heaven adherent observe ritual ‘ekodishta shraddha’ honour bhishma adherent visit nearby river bank tarpana ritual order bring peace bhishmas soul also honour ancestor ritual adherent take holy dip ganga river offer boiled rice sesame seed order released samsara purify soul adherent observe fast day perform arghyam offering chant bhishma ashtami mantra seek deity blessing parent render offering bhishmas name hope son inherit virtue similar