About Maha Shivaratri
Maha Shivaratri, the Great Night of Shiva, is observed on the Krishna Chaturdashi of Phalguna in the purnimanta calendar, which is the same night as Magha Krishna Chaturdashi in the amanta calendar. Of the monthly Shivaratris, this one is considered the most sacred, and devotees across India and beyond spend it in prayer, meditation and quiet reflection.
Several traditions explain its significance. Many remember it as the night of the divine marriage of Shiva and Parvati. The Puranas also describe Shiva appearing as an endless pillar of light, beyond the reach of both Brahma and Vishnu, a story honoured as Lingodbhava. For yogis and seekers, the night is seen as a time when the mind turns naturally inward. Temples such as Kashi Vishwanath, Mahakaleshwar, Somnath and countless village shrines remain open through the night, echoing with "Om Namah Shivaya". Devotees offer water, milk, bel leaves and dhatura to the Shivalinga, and many keep a fast that is gently broken the next morning.
How it is observed
- Keeping a fast according to one's capacity, often with fruit and milk
- Performing abhishek of the Shivalinga with water, milk and honey
- Offering bel patra, dhatura and white flowers
- Staying awake for jagran and puja through the four prahars of the night
- Chanting Om Namah Shivaya or the Mahamrityunjaya mantra
Maha Shivaratri dates in past and coming years
| Year | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Friday, 8 March 2024 | Past |
| 2025 | Wednesday, 26 February 2025 | Past |
| 2026 | Sunday, 15 February 2026 | Past |
| 2027 | Saturday, 6 March 2027 | Next |
| 2028 | Wednesday, 23 February 2028 | Upcoming |
| 2029 | Sunday, 11 February 2029 | Upcoming |
| 2030 | Saturday, 2 March 2030 | Upcoming |
Dates are calculated from the Panchang for New Delhi. Some regions may observe a day earlier or later.
Across India
Celebrated across India
The same season is marked in many ways. Where a region keeps the festival on a different day, its calculated date is shown.
Kashmir
Herath
Kashmiri Pandits celebrate Herath with Vatuk puja and walnuts kept in water, later shared as prasad. It begins on Phalguna Trayodashi, so it can fall a day earlier than Shivaratri elsewhere.
Uttar Pradesh
Maha Shivaratri
In Varanasi, devotees queue through the night at Kashi Vishwanath, and Shiva's wedding procession (Shiv Barat) winds through the city.
Himachal Pradesh
Mandi Shivaratri Fair
Mandi holds a week-long fair from Shivaratri, when deities from surrounding villages are carried in palanquins to meet Lord Shiva at Bhootnath temple.
Gujarat
Bhavnath Mela
At the foot of Mount Girnar in Junagadh, sadhus and pilgrims gather at the Bhavnath Mahadev temple for a fair that ends on Shivaratri night.
Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka
Maha Shivaratri
Major Shiva temples such as Chidambaram, Srisailam and Gokarna hold all-night worship, and Chidambaram hosts the Natyanjali dance festival.
People with health conditions, pregnant women and the elderly are advised to check with a doctor before fasting; a light phalahar fast is a common gentle option.
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