Bhishma Jayanti is believed to be the birthday of Bhishma Pitamah of the Mahabharata. It is observed on the Magh Krishna Paksha Navami or waning phase of moon in Magh month (January – February). Bhishma Jayanti 2024 date is February 4.
Bhishma was the son of King Shantanu and Goddess Ganga (Ganges River ). He was the greatest archer of his time. As promised to his father, he never became the King of Hastinapura even though he had the legitimate right for it. Instead he placed the sons of Shantanu’s wife Satyavati on the throne of Hastinapura.