First day of Bhisma Pancaka

What is the first day of Bhisma Pancaka?

Bhisma Pancaka, also called Vishnu Panchaka, is a five-day period of worship and fasting named after Bhismadeva. It begins on Ekadashi and ends on the full moon. In 2026 the first day is Saturday, 21 November.

Significance

Bhismadeva was the grandfather of the Kuru dynasty, a great general and a devotee of Lord Krishna. He fasted for these five days, preparing to give up his life. In the Srimad-Bhagavatam he fixes his mind on Krishna, the chariot driver of Arjuna, whom he had seen on the battlefield of Kurukshetra.

Devotional writings say that Krishna was very pleased with Bhisma and agreed to give pure love to those who chant, hear, read, worship and fast for these five days. The same day is Utthana Ekadashi and the disappearance day of Srila Gaura Kisora Dasa Babaji.

Let me now invest my thinking, feeling and willing, which were so long engaged in different subjects and occupational duties, in the all-powerful Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa.

Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.9.32

How to observe it

The vow begins by remembering Bhismadeva on Ekadashi and ends on the full moon. Fasting from certain foods through the five days is optional and done as one is able, according to the Hari-bhakti-vilasa. On the first day, Utthana Ekadashi, grains and beans are avoided in any case.