Maha Shivaratri 2026

Maha Shivaratri is celebrated on Sunday, February 15, 2026 during Chaturdashi (Krishna Paksha) tithi with Shubh Muhurat at Nishita Kaal Puja: 12:09 AM to 01:00 AM (Feb 16).

Maha Shivaratri Celebrations
Major FESTIVAL

Maha Shivaratri 2026

Tithi: Chaturdashi (Krishna Paksha)

Date 15 Feb, 2026
Day Sunday

Tithi Timings

Lunar Tithi Chaturdashi (Krishna Paksha)
Tithi Begins 08:15 PM
Tithi Ends 11:45 PM
Timezone: Asia/Kolkata (Standard IST)

Shubh Puja Muhurat

Auspicious Puja Window Nishita Kaal Puja: 12:09 AM to 01:00 AM (Feb 16)

Performing sacred invocations during this celestial window maximizes auspicious blessings and spiritual merit.

Sacred Tradition, Lore & Puja Vidhi

Spiritual Significance

The Great Night of Lord Shiva commemorating the divine union of Shiva and Shakti and the cosmic dance of creation and dissolution (Tandava).

Puranic Legend & Katha

Lord Shiva drank the deadly poison Halahala that emerged during Samudra Manthan to protect all creation from annihilation.

Step-by-Step Puja Vidhi & Rituals

Perform four-pahar abhishek with milk, yogurt, honey, ghee, and water. Offer sacred Bel leaves (Bilva Patra), Dhatura, and chant Om Namah Shivaya throughout the night.

Sacred Practices & What to Do

Observe day-long fasting, perform nocturnal vigil (Jagran), chant Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra, practice meditation.

Restrictions & What to Avoid

Avoid consuming grains, heavy meals, tamasic food, anger, and sleeping during the auspicious night hours.

Maha Shivaratri is one of the most auspicious sacred celebrations of the Hindu calendar. Celebrated on Sunday, February 15, 2026 during Chaturdashi (Krishna Paksha), this festival marks a potent cosmic gateway for spiritual elevation and divine blessing.

Significance: The Great Night of Lord Shiva commemorating the divine union of Shiva and Shakti and the cosmic dance of creation and dissolution (Tandava).

Puja Vidhi & Rituals: Perform four-pahar abhishek with milk, yogurt, honey, ghee, and water. Offer sacred Bel leaves (Bilva Patra), Dhatura, and chant Om Namah Shivaya throughout the night.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Maha Shivaratri falls on Sunday, February 15, 2026. The auspicious Puja Muhurat is Nishita Kaal Puja: 12:09 AM to 01:00 AM (Feb 16).

Perform four-pahar abhishek with milk, yogurt, honey, ghee, and water. Offer sacred Bel leaves (Bilva Patra), Dhatura, and chant Om Namah Shivaya throughout the night.

Do: Observe day-long fasting, perform nocturnal vigil (Jagran), chant Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra, practice meditation.. Avoid: Avoid consuming grains, heavy meals, tamasic food, anger, and sleeping during the auspicious night hours..