The death of Bhishma is commemorated on the eighth day (ashtami) of the bright, or waxing, half of the lunar month Magh (January–February).
In the Hindu epic Mahabharata, Bhishma is an uncle to both the Kauravas and the Pandavas, two warring groups.
- He is well-known for his courage, sincerity, and continence.
- He also has the ability to choose when he dies.
Despite being fatally wounded in the epic Mahabharata battle, he survives for weeks (discourses and counsel to the victorious Pandavas the whole time), postponing his death until the sun has started its northward course (uttarayana).
- On this day, parents make food and water sacrifices in Bhishma's honor, hoping that their sons would inherit his virtues.
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