Mahashivratri · महाशिवरात्रि
Mahashivratri, "the great night of Shiva", falls on the Krishna Chaturdashi (fourteenth of the dark fortnight) of Phalguna in the North-Indian calendar. It is associated with Shiva's marriage to Parvati and with his manifestation as the infinite pillar of light (jyotirlinga).
Dates
Dates and times are for New Delhi (Asia/Kolkata). They can differ in other places, especially outside India, and between traditions.
How the date is determined
The Krishna Chaturdashi of Phalguna (purnimanta) that prevails at Nishita kaal, the midnight period.
Devotees fast, offer water, milk and bilva leaves to the Shiva linga, chant Om Namah Shivaya and keep vigil through the night, often worshipping in the four quarters (prahars) of the night.
Regional and tradition differences
In the amanta calendar (used in Maharashtra, Gujarat and the South) the same night falls in the month of Magha; the date is the same.
What to recite
Sources
- Maha Shivaratri, Wikipedia (2026)
Change log
- : Published.