3 min readNew DelhiFeb 12, 2026 10:01 AM IST
First published on: Feb 10, 2026 at 12:00 PM IST
Maha Shivratri 2026 Date: Maha Shivratri, also known as the ‘great night of Shiva’, is one of the most significant Hindu festivals dedicated to Lord Shiva, or Mahadeva, who is revered as one of Hinduism’s Supreme Lords.
It is widely observed by Hindus worldwide, including in India and Nepal.
According to Shaivism beliefs, Lord Shiva delights his devotees on Maha Shivratri with a mesmerising and magnificent dance that portrays the cycles of creation, preservation, and destruction on this holy night.
Other legends suggest the divine marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati on the day, which represents the equilibrium of cosmic powers.
During this day and night of fasting, prayers, and meditations, devotees worship Lord Shiva and reflect on values and virtues like honesty, nonviolence toward others, generosity, forgiveness, and Shiva’s discoveries.
Maha Shivratri 2026: Date and Timings
In North India, Maha Shivratri is celebrated in the month of Phalgun; however, in South India, it is celebrated on the Chaturdashi Tithi of the Krishna Paksha in Magh.
Regardless of calendar changes, the Shivaratri festival stays consistent on this significant night.
This celebration takes place every year in February or March, celebrating the passage from winter to spring and symbolising a period of rejuvenation.
This year, Maha Shivaratri will be celebrated on Sunday, February 15, 2026, with the Nishita Kaal Puja timings starting from 12:09 AM to 01:01 AM on February 16, 2026, and Shivaratri Parana timings starting from 06:59 AM to 03:24 PM on the same day.
Maha Shivratri 2026 Vrat and Puja Vidhi
Devotees eat only once a day before their Shivaratri vrat, or fast, which is usually observed on Trayodashi.
According to drikpanchang.com, after conducting morning Shivaratri rites, devotees must take Sankalp to fast for the entire day and eat only on the following day.
Here are six crucial rituals to observe during the Maha Shivratri puja.
- Bathing Shivalingam with water, milk, and bel leaves represents soul cleansing.
- Applying vermilion after bathing is a mark of virtue.
- Offering fruits during worship represents the fulfilment of desires and longevity.
- Burning incense sticks represents prosperity.
- Betel leaves indicate satisfaction with worldly pursuits.
- Lamp lighting symbolises the attainment of wisdom and understanding.
Maha Shivratri 2026 Date: Devotees eat only once a day before their Shivaratri vrat, or fast, which is usually observed on Trayodashi.
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