Maha Shivaratri 2026: Maha Shivaratri is one of the most auspicious Hindu festivals dedicated to Lord Shiva, known as the ‘destroyer of evil’ in the holy trinity.
Celebrated with great devotion and fervor, Maha Shivaratri is observed by millions of Hindus across India and around the world. In 2026, this significant festival will bring together devotees to honor and seek the blessings of Lord Shiva.
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Sun, 15 Feb, 2026, 5:04 pm.
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Mon, 16 Feb, 2026, 5:34 pm.
Maha Shivratri in 2026 will be celebrated on Sunday, February 15. It is a national holiday in India, except in the states of Andaman & Nicobar (AN), Arunachal Pradesh (AR), Assam (AS), Bihar (BR), Goa (GA), Lakshadweep (LD), Manipur (MN), Meghalaya (ML), Mizoram (MZ), Nagaland (NL), Puducherry (PY), Sikkim (SK), Tamil Nadu (TN), and West Bengal (WB). The festival is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is observed with fasting, prayers, and worship across the country.
Maha Shivaratri 2026
Maha Shivaratri, which translates to “The Great Night of Shiva,” in 2026 will be observed on Saturday, the 14th of February.
The festival is marked by an all-night vigil, fasting, prayers, and various other rituals dedicated to Lord Shiva.
| Aspect | Details |
| Festival Name | Maha Shivratri |
| Deity Honored | Lord Shiva, the ‘destroyer of evil’ in the Hindu trinity |
| Date (2026) | Sunday, February 15, 2026, 5:04 pm to Monday, February 16, 2026, 5:34 pm |
| Frequency | Annual celebration, usually between February and March |
| Observances | Fasting, prayers, and worship of the Shiva Lingam |
| Significance | Auspicious for spiritual growth and blessings from Lord Shiva |
| Celebrated By | Millions of Hindus in India and around the world |
| Type | Religious holiday, feast day, public holiday in Nepal |
Maha Shivratri 2025: A Celebration of Lord Shiva
Maha Shivratri is an important Hindu festival that honors Lord Shiva, one of the principal deities in Hinduism.
It is celebrated annually, usually between February and March, and is observed on the 14th day of the first half of the lunar month of Phalguna according to the Hindu calendar.
Key Details About Maha Shivratri
- Date: Maha Shivratri in 2025 will be celebrated from Wednesday, February 26 to Thursday, February 27.
- Observances: Devotees observe fasting, prayers, and worship, particularly the worship of the Shiva Lingam (a symbol representing Lord Shiva).
- Significance: This day is considered especially auspicious for spiritual growth, and many people spend the night in prayer and meditation, seeking blessings from Lord Shiva.
Significance of Maha Shivaratri
Maha Shivaratri holds immense importance in the Hindu calendar for several reasons:
Spiritual Enlightenment:
Devotees believe that observing Maha Shivaratri with sincerity can help gain spiritual enlightenment, liberation from past sins, and blessings for a prosperous life.
Read also: Kumbh Mela 2026 Dates: A Divine Journey to Nashik
Shiva-Parvati Union:
It celebrates the divine marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, symbolizing the union of masculine and feminine energies.
Victory Over Darkness:
The festival signifies overcoming ignorance and darkness within human beings, guiding them towards spiritual awakening and devotion.
Rituals and Celebrations
Maha Shivaratri is celebrated with various rituals and practices:
- Fasting: Devotees observe strict fasts, often consuming only fruits and milk. Many abstain from food and remain awake through the night, chanting Shiva mantras.
- All-Night Vigil: Temples remain open all night, and devotees engage in continuous prayers, bhajans (devotional songs), and recitations of the Shiv Tandav Stotram, praising Lord Shiva.
- Lingam Abhishekam: The Shiva Lingam, a symbolic representation of Lord Shiva, is bathed with milk, honey, ghee, water, and bel leaves throughout the night.
- Temple Visits: Pilgrims visit major Shiva temples like Kashi Vishwanath in Varanasi, Kedarnath in Uttarakhand, and Somnath in Gujarat, seeking divine blessings.
Observing Maha Shivaratri at Home
For those unable to visit temples, Maha Shivaratri can still be observed at home:
Creating a Sacred Space:
Set up a small altar with an idol or picture of Lord Shiva, and decorate it with flowers and incense.
Chanting and Meditation:
Engage in chanting Shiva mantras (e.g., “Om Namah Shivaya”) and meditate to connect with the divine.
Offering Prayers:
Perform simple rituals like offering milk, fruits, and bel leaves, and recite prayers dedicated to Lord Shiva.
FAQs About Maha Shivaratri 2026
Which date is Mahashivratri 2025?
26 February 2025.
Why Mahashivratri date changes every year?
Maha Shivratri follows the Hindu lunar calendar, observed on the 14th day of Phalguna month.
In which month Mahashivratri is celebrated as per Hindu calendar?
Phalguna (or sometimes Magha.
Why is Shivratri celebrated twice in a year?
due to Adhik Maas.
Conclusion
Maha Shivaratri 2026 is a time for devotion, introspection, and spiritual growth. Whether at home or in a temple, observing the rituals and embracing the teachings of Lord Shiva can bring peace, happiness, and divine blessings into your life. Jai Shiva Shankar!
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