Bhishma Ashtami or ‘Bhishmashtami’ is a Hindu festival dedicated to ‘Bhishma’ of the great Indian epic ‘Mahabharata’. It is believed that Bhishma, also known as ‘Ganga Putr Bhism’ or ‘Bhishma Pitamaha’ departed from his soul on this chosen day on 25-1-2018 Thursday.  Bheeshma tarpan is important on this day.