Mahashivratri is an annual Hindu festival which is celebrated across the country with great grandeur. Maha Shivaratri is held in remembrance of Lord Shiva, one of the trinity gods in Hinduism. Maha Shivaratri, which means "Great Night of Shiva" in Sanskrit —occurs on the fourteenth night of the dark fortnight of the Hindu lunar month of Phalguna. In the year 2026, Mahashivratri is going to be celebrated on February 15.
One day before Shivaratri Vratam, most likely on Trayodashi, devotees should eat only one time. On Shivaratri day, after finishing morning rituals devotees should take Sankalp to observe full day fast on Shivaratri and to take food the next day. During Sankalp devotees pledge for self-determination throughout the fasting period and seek the blessing of Lord Shiva to finish the fast without any interference.
On Shivaratri day devotees should take a second bath in the evening before doing Shiva Puja or visiting temple. Shiva Puja should be done during night and devotees should break the fast next day after taking bath. Devotees should break the fast between sunrise and before the end of Chaturdashi Tithi to get maximum benefit of the Vrat. According to one contradictory opinion, devotees should break the fast only when Chaturdashi Tithi gets over. But it is believed that both Shiva Puja and Parana (पारण) i.e. breaking the fast should be done within Chaturdashi Tithi.
Shivaratri puja can be performed one time or four times during the night. The whole night duration can be divided into four to get four Prahar to perform Shiva Puja four times.
Date and timing :
Maha Shivaratri on Sunday, February 15, 2026
