Maha Shivratri 2027 महाशिवरात्रि
Saturday, 6 March 2027 · February–March
Maha Shivratri 2027 is on Saturday, 6 March 2027. It is the most important night for Shiva devotees, observed with fasting and a night-long vigil. The night is held to be spiritually potent for meditation, self-discipline and inner awakening. It falls on Phalguna Krishna Chaturdashi in the Hindu lunar calendar.
Maha Shivratri 2027 date
Saturday, 6 March 2027
Maha Shivratri — dates by year
| 2026 | Sunday, 15 February 2026 |
| 2027 | Saturday, 6 March 2027 |
| 2028 | Tuesday, 22 February 2028 |
Date cross-checked against multiple panchang sources; regional observance can differ by a day.
Maha Shivratri at a glance
| Date (2027) | Saturday, 6 March 2027 |
| Lunar day | Phalguna Krishna Chaturdashi |
| Usual month | February–March |
| Category | Shaiva |
The story behind Maha Shivratri
Maha Shivratri, the ‘great night of Shiva’, is linked to several traditions — the night Shiva performed the cosmic dance of creation and dissolution (tandava), the night of his marriage to Parvati, and the night he drank the halahala poison to save the world during the churning of the ocean.
Significance of Maha Shivratri
It is the most important night for Shiva devotees, observed with fasting and a night-long vigil. The night is held to be spiritually potent for meditation, self-discipline and inner awakening.
How Maha Shivratri is celebrated
- Fasting through the day (many keep a nirjala or fruit-only fast)
- Abhishekam of the Shiva Linga with water, milk, honey, curd and bilva (bel) leaves
- Offering bilva leaves, dhatura and bhang to Shiva
- A four-prahar (night-long) jaagran with chanting of ‘Om Namah Shivaya’ and the Rudram
- Visiting Shiva temples and Jyotirlingas
Regional variations
Celebrated across India; especially grand at the twelve Jyotirlingas, in Varanasi, Ujjain (Mahakaleshwar) and Somnath, and as a major pilgrimage night in Nepal at Pashupatinath.
Festive foods of Maha Shivratri
Traditional dishes prepared for Maha Shivratri include vrat foods — sabudana khichdi, fruit, singhare/kuttu dishes, thandai.
Quick tips
- Fast and keep a night vigil with ‘Om Namah Shivaya’
- Offer bilva leaves and water to the Shiva Linga
Choosing the muhurat on Maha Shivratri
Maha Shivratri falls on Phalguna Krishna Chaturdashi. To choose an auspicious time on the day, open the muhurat planner for your city and check the day's choghadiya and the Rahu Kaal to avoid. For the exact date this year, see the panchang calendar, and for weddings or a housewarming near this festival, confirm the muhurat with a qualified pandit.
Hindu festival dates follow the lunar calendar and vary each year; regional traditions can differ by a day. For the exact date this year, confirm with your local panchang or pandit.
Common questions
When is Maha Shivratri 2027?
Maha Shivratri 2027 is on Saturday, 6 March 2027. It falls on Phalguna Krishna Chaturdashi; because the Hindu calendar is lunar, the Gregorian date shifts each year.
Why is Maha Shivratri celebrated?
Maha Shivratri, the ‘great night of Shiva’, is linked to several traditions — the night Shiva performed the cosmic dance of creation and dissolution (tandava), the night of his marriage to Parvati, and the night he drank the halahala poison to save the world during the churning of the ocean.
How is Maha Shivratri observed?
Common observances include Fasting through the day (many keep a nirjala or fruit-only fast); Abhishekam of the Shiva Linga with water, milk, honey, curd and bilva (bel) leaves; Offering bilva leaves, dhatura and bhang to Shiva; A four-prahar (night-long) jaagran with chanting of ‘Om Namah Shivaya’ and the Rudram.
How is Maha Shivratri celebrated in different regions?
Celebrated across India; especially grand at the twelve Jyotirlingas, in Varanasi, Ujjain (Mahakaleshwar) and Somnath, and as a major pilgrimage night in Nepal at Pashupatinath.
What foods are made for Maha Shivratri?
Traditional dishes include vrat foods — sabudana khichdi, fruit, singhare/kuttu dishes, thandai.