2026 Maha Shivaratri
| Date | Day | Holiday | States |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 Feb | Sun | Maha Shivaratri | Andhra Pradesh, Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh & Uttarakhand |
2027 Maha Shivaratri
| Date | Day | Holiday | States |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 Mar | Sat | Maha Shivaratri | Andhra Pradesh, Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh & Uttarakhand |
2028 Maha Shivaratri
| Date | Day | Holiday | States |
|---|---|---|---|
| 23 Feb | Wed | Maha Shivaratri | Andhra Pradesh, Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Mizoram, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh & Uttarakhand |
🕉️ Maha Shivaratri 2026
Sunday, February 15, 2026Great Night of Shiva - Phalguna Krishna Chaturdashi
🌙 Maha Shivaratri Overview
Maha Shivaratri, the most sacred night dedicated to Lord Shiva, falls on February 15, 2026. Celebrated on Krishna Paksha Chaturdashi of Phalguna month, this festival honors Shiva's cosmic dance, his marriage to Parvati, and his consumption of poison during Samudra Manthan. Devotees observe strict fast, perform night-long jagran, and conduct special Rudrabhishekam.
Key Facts:
• Date: February 15, 2026 (Sunday)
• Tithi: Phalguna Krishna Chaturdashi (05:04 PM Feb 15 to 05:34 PM Feb 16)
• Nishita Kaal: 12:09 AM to 01:01 AM, Feb 16
• Parana Time: 06:59 AM to 03:24 PM, Feb 16
• Holiday: Government holiday in many states
⛩️ Puja Timings (Delhi)
Ratri First Prahar: 06:11 PM to 09:23 PM on Feb 15. Ratri Second Prahar: 09:23 PM to 12:35 AM Feb 16. Ratri Third Prahar: 12:35 AM to 03:47 AM Feb 16. Ratri Fourth Prahar: 03:47 AM to 06:59 AM Feb 16. Nishita Kaal Puja (most auspicious): 12:09 AM to 01:01 AM Feb 16.
🛕 Celebration Highlights
Devotees visit Shiva temples before dawn for Rudrabhishekam with milk, honey, curd, ghee, and Gangajal. Night-long jagran features Mahamrityunjaya jaap, Rudrashtak pathan, and Shiva Tandava Stotram. Massive processions carry Shiva lingam replicas through cities.
🌿 Bilva Puja: Offering bilva leaves (essential for Shiva worship), dhatura, bhang, and chanting "Om Namah Shivaya".
💧 Abhishekam: 16 sacred substances poured on Shiva Lingam during midnight puja.
🕯️ Diya Arati: Thousand-wick lamps lit, continuous kirtan throughout four prahars.
🥛 Fasting: Strict nirjala fast or fruits only, ends next afternoon.
📅 Complete Puja Schedule
Feb 14: Preparations begin, temples decorated with flowers and lights
Feb 15 Morning: Early bath, Shiva puja at homes, visit lingam temples
Feb 15 Evening: First Prahar Puja (6-9 PM), community kirtan begins
Feb 15 Night: Second & Third Prahar Puja, Nishita Kaal main worship
Feb 16 Morning: Fourth Prahar Puja, Parana after sunrise
🌍 Major Jyotirlinga Celebrations
All 12 Jyotirlingas host grand 3-day celebrations with lakhs of pilgrims. Ujjain Mahakaleshwar sees largest gatherings followed by Pashupatinath Nepal and Trimbakeshwar Nashik.
• Ujjain: Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga - massive Bhasma Aarti
• Amarnath: Ice Lingam natural formation peaks
• Kashi: Kashi Vishwanath gold-plated doors darshan
• Prayagraj: Sangam snan + Shiva puja
• Ujjain: 56 Bhog offered to Mahakal
✨ Spiritual Significance
Mahashivratri marks Shiva-Parvati divine marriage, Shiva drinking Halahal poison to save universe, and Shiva's Tandava Nritya. Astrologically, planetary positions amplify spiritual energies making this night ideal for sadhana and mantra jaap. Shiva Tattva touches earth enhancing consciousness.
"Ratri denotes night as well as 'to take refuge.' Maha Shivaratri is the night to take refuge in Shiva consciousness."
📺 Live Coverage
- TV: DD News, Aastha Channel, Sanskar, News18 Bhakti
- Online: Isha Foundation, Art of Living live streaming
- Radio: AIR FM Gold special kirtan programs
- Temples: Ujjain Mahakal, Kashi Vishwanath live darshan
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
❓ When is Maha Shivaratri 2026?
Sunday, February 15, 2026. Chaturdashi Tithi: 05:04 PM Feb 15 to 05:34 PM Feb 16.
❓ What is Nishita Kaal time?
12:09 AM to 01:01 AM, February 16, 2026 - most auspicious puja timing.
❓ Can we eat during Shivaratri fast?
Strict nirjala (water only) or phalahar (fruits, milk). Non-veg, garlic, onion strictly prohibited.
❓ Which leaves to offer Shiva?
Bilva patra (banyan leaves) most sacred. 3 leaves offered together chanting Om Namah Shivaya.
❓ Is Maha Shivaratri holiday?
Yes, government holiday in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Uttarakhand, few other states. Banks closed.
❓ Major celebrations where?
Ujjain Mahakaleshwar, Kashi Vishwanath, Trimbakeshwar, Pashupatinath Nepal receive lakhs pilgrims.