On Dev Uthani Ekadashi, huge celebrations are held for Khatu Shyam Ji Birthday 2026 and Khatu Shyam Kartik Mahotsav. This holy festival is very important for devotees because it brings hope, devotion, and spiritual blessings. It also marks the day when Lord Vishnu wakes up after four months of rest. On this sacred occasion, thousands of devotees visit the Khatu Shyam Temple in Sikar, Rajasthan to offer roses, peacock feathers, cakes, and prayers to Khatu Shyam Baba, the Kaliyuga avatar of Lord Krishna. Take part in this grand Khatu Shyam Festival and seek blessings for children, wealth, prosperity, and a happy marriage.
Plans are well underway to celebrate Baba Shyam’s birthday at the Khatushyamji temple in Sikar district, Rajasthan. The celebration will be grand on Devuthani Ekadashi, which falls on November 20. Additionally, the annual Baba Shyam’s Kartik Mela festival began three days before, on November 18, and will continue until November 20.
- Kartik Mahotsav, celebrating Baba Khatushyam’s birth anniversary, is taking place from October 30th to November 18th and till November 21st.
- Flowers from Delhi, Bengaluru, and other locations will adorn the temple.
- Baba Shyam will appear in his child form.
- Devotees can see Shrinathji and Baba Shyam at the main gate.
- Darshan will be available till 10 PM.
- Strong security measures with 600 police personnel and CCTV surveillance.
- Authorities have banned fireworks, women’s entry into Shyam Kund, and glass bottle perfume sales.
Who is Khatu Shyam?
In Hindu mythology, Khatu Shyam is a figure connected to Barbarika, the son of Ghatothkach. The story of Khatu Shyam begins with the Mahabharata and has been passed down through generations. Khatu Shyamji is also known as Shyam Baba. It is said that Khatu Shyam was the grandson of the brave prince Bhima, who was one of the Pandava brothers.
Barbarika dedicated his life to Lord Krishna, and in return, Lord Krishna granted him a special blessing. In modern times, people worship him in this form.
Before the Kurukshetra war, Lord Krishna stopped Barbarika to ensure the Pandavas could win. The celebration of Khatu Shyam birthday in 2026 will be a grand event.
Also Read: Diwali in Amritsar
Khatu Shyam Birthday 2026 Date and Tithi:
| Janmotsav Dates | 20th November 2026 |
| Tithi | Tithi |
| Months | November |
| Birthday | Khatu Shyam Ji |
- The Bhandara festival represents spiritual richness and plenty.
- During Navratri, worshippers honor the deity and participate in traditional dance and music events.
- In Nishan Yatra, devotees carry a holy flag to the Khatu Shyam temple. They can either walk or drive while singing hymns and performing traditional dances.
Upcoming Khatu Shyam Ji Ekadashi Dates 2026
| Date | Day | Ekadashi Name |
|---|---|---|
| January 14, 2026 | Wednesday | Shattila Ekadashi |
| January 29, 2026 | Thursday | Jaya Ekadashi (Bhaimi Ekadashi) |
| February 13, 2026 | Friday | Vijaya Ekadashi |
| February 27, 2026 | Friday | Amalaki Ekadashi |
| March 15, 2026 | Sunday | Papamochani Ekadashi |
| March 29, 2026 | Sunday | Kamada Ekadashi |
| April 13, 2026 | Monday | Varuthini Ekadashi |
| April 27, 2026 | Monday | Mohini Ekadashi |
| May 13, 2026 | Wednesday | Apara Ekadashi |
| May 27, 2026 | Wednesday | Nirjala Ekadashi* |
| June 11, 2026 | Thursday | Parama Ekadashi |
| June 25, 2026 | Thursday | Nirjala Ekadashi |
| July 10, 2026 | Friday | Yogini Ekadashi |
| July 25, 2026 | Saturday | Devshayani Ekadashi |
| August 9, 2026 | Sunday | Kamika Ekadashi |
| August 23, 2026 | Sunday | Shravana Putrada Ekadashi |
| September 7, 2026 | Monday | Aja Ekadashi |
| September 22, 2026 | Tuesday | Parivartini Ekadashi (Parsva Ekadashi) |
| October 6, 2026 | Tuesday | Indira Ekadashi |
| October 22, 2026 | Thursday | Papankusha Ekadashi |
| November 5, 2026 | Thursday | Rama Ekadashi |
| November 20, 2026 | Friday | Devutthana Ekadashi (Dev Prabodhini Ekadashi) |
| December 4, 2026 | Friday | Utpanna Ekadashi |
| December 20, 2026 | Sunday | Mokshada Ekadashi |
Also Read: Do Not Make These Mistakes On Makar Sankranti | Things to Know Before You Visit the Khatu Shyam Temple
FAQs
Q1. When is Khatu Shyam Ji Birthday 2026 and Kartik Mahotsav ?
Ans. Khatu Shyam Ji Birthday and Kartik Mahotsav will be celebrated on 20 November 2026 (Friday) according to the Hindu calendar. The festival falls on Kartik Shukla Ekadashi, and devotees gather at the famous Khatu Shyam Temple to participate in bhajans, special prayers, and grand spiritual celebrations.
Q2. What is Khatu Shyam Kartik Mahotsav?
Ans. Khatu Shyam Kartik Mahotsav is a famous religious festival dedicated to Khatu Shyam Ji, celebrated with bhajans, special prayers, and spiritual events.
Q3. Who is Khatu Shyam Ji?
Ans. Khatu Shyam Ji is believed to be the incarnation of Barbarik, the grandson of Bhima from the Mahabharata.
Q.4 Where is Khatu Shyam Temple located?
Ans. The famous Khatu Shyam Temple is located in Sikar district, Rajasthan, India.
Q.5 Why is Khatu Shyam Ji called the God of Kaliyug?
Ans. Devotees believe that Khatu Shyam Ji fulfills the wishes of his followers in Kaliyug, which is why he is known as the God of Kaliyug.
Q.6 What happens during Khatu Shyam Kartik Mahotsav?
Ans. During the festival, devotees participate in bhajan sandhya, kirtan, temple decorations, spiritual gatherings, and special prayers.
