Maha Shivratri महाशिवरात्रि
Falls on Phalguna Krishna Chaturdashi · usually February–March
Maha Shivratri is celebrated on Phalguna Krishna Chaturdashi, usually in February–March. 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.
Maha Shivratri at a glance
| Falls on | 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 celebrated?
Maha Shivratri falls on Phalguna Krishna Chaturdashi in the Hindu lunar calendar, usually in February–March. The exact Gregorian date changes each year — confirm with your local panchang or the panchang calendar.
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.