Pradosh is an auspicious occasion to perform Shiva Pujan. In December 2018, Pradosh vrat dates are: December 4 & December 20.
December 4, 2018 – Pradosh Vrat (Tuesday): Bhaum Pradosh
Pradosh of December 4 falls in Krishna Paksha of Karthika Masam as per Telugu, Kannada, Gujarati & Marathi calendars and Margashirsha Month in North Indian Hindi calendars.
As this Pradosh vrata falls on Tuesday (Mangalvar), Bhaum Graha pradosha puja (Mangal Graha Shanti) is observed. In some places, Mangal (Kuja) graha shanti pujas are also observed along with Pradosha kaala Shiva Puja.
December 20, 2018 – Pradosh Vrat (Thursday): Guru Pradosha Vrata
Pradosh of December 20 falls in Shukla Paksha in Margashirsha Month as per Telugu, Kannada, Gujarati & Marathi calendars and North Indian Hindi calendars.
As this Pradosh vrata falls on Thursday (Guruvar), Guru Graha pradosha puja is observed. In some places, Brihaspati graha shanti pujas are also observed along with Pradosha kaala Shiva Puja.
Pradosha Kaala Shiva Puja time is between 4.30 to 6 in the evening. Pradosha Ashtakam is a popular prayer chanted during Pradosh Vrat.