Today is Bhishmashtami

Today, January 23, 2010, is the Ashtami or eighth day during the waxing phase of moon (Shukla Paksha) in Magh month. The day is observed as Bhishmashtami in many regions except in South India. Bhishma, the great grandsire, in the Mahabharata had got a boon to choose his death time and it is believed that he chose Bhishmashtami day to merge with the Supreme Soul.

Please note that not all Hindu communities comply with this date.

You can read more about Bhishmashtami in this article.