Maha Shivaratri 2026 Date — Sunday, February 15, 2026

Maha Shivaratri 2026 — full list of dates

Why we celebrate

Great night of Shiva — marriage of Shiva-Parvati and the night Shiva performed the Tandava. Fasting and jagaran destroy sins.

How it is celebrated

All-night vigil, Shiva lingam abhishekam with milk, honey, bilva; Rudram, bhajan, and temple fairs across India.

Puja timing

Four prahars of night puja; Nishita kaal (midnight) is the most sacred for abhishekam. Fast from sunrise to next sunrise or until prasad.

Foods & offerings

Phalahar — fruits, milk, sabudana; no grains. Some eat one meal after midnight puja.

Rituals

1. Bath and fasting from sunrise.
2. Shiva lingam abhishekam each prahar with bilva.
3. Om Namah Shivaya japa through the night.
4. Visit temple for jagaran and Rudrabhishek if possible.
5. Break fast after sunrise bath on next day with prasad.

Maha Shivaratri dates by year