What is Maha Bharani for?

It's an ancestral observance, Bharani nakshatra is associated with Yama, so the day is used for tarpan and offerings to the departed. In Kerala the same nakshatra carries the Kodungallur Bharani, which is a much larger and more intense goddess festival.

Maha Bharani

Tamil

महा भरणी · મહા ભરણી

2026

30 September 2026

Wednesday · Krishna Chaturthi

Tithi begins05:11 PM · 29 Sept

Tithi ends02:56 PM

Full panchang for this day

About

Bharani nakshatra day in Purattasi month. Important day for ancestor worship at temples, especially Thirunallar.

Falls on: Bharani nakshatra in Masi month, or in the Kerala form Bharani in Meenam

What it is

A day for ancestral offerings, Bharani being associated with Yama. Also the day of the Kodungallur Bharani in Kerala, a major and distinctly fierce goddess festival. In Tamil Nadu it is quieter and centred on tarpan.

Food

Offerings of rice and sesame for ancestors.

Common questions

What is Maha Bharani for?: It's an ancestral observance, Bharani nakshatra is associated with Yama, so the day is used for tarpan and offerings to the departed. In Kerala the same nakshatra carries the Kodungallur Bharani, which is a much larger and more intense goddess festival.

Maha Bharani date in 2025 Maha Bharani date in 2027