Vetal Sashti

Vetal Sashti is observed during the Baishakh or Vaisakh month (April – May) in Jammu and Kashmir. Shashti or Shasti is the sixth day during a lunar fortnight. Vetal Sashti 2026 date is April 8. Vetals are subsidiary deities that are worshiped in many temples in the region.

Vetal is a spirit occupying the body of a dead human being or animal.

Vetal appears as characters in many folktales and stories associated with Hindu tradition. The most famous among is the stories of Vikram and Vetal.

The fairs and rituals on the day are associated with paying respects to Vetals. Vetal Sashti is observed during the Baisakh Krishna Paksha or waning phase of moon.