Maha Shivaratri in 2026 will be celebrated on Sunday, 15 February 2026. The most auspicious time of the puja (Nishita Kaal) begins late at night and the usual fast is broken the next morning after Parana. It is an extremely sacred holiday highlighting the divine union of Shiva and Parvati.
Date & Puja Timings (2026)
Festival Date: Sunday, 15 February 2026
Nishita Kaal Puja (Midnight Worship): Around 12:00 AM – 1:00 AM IST (exact muhurat varies by location)
Chaturdashi Tithi starts on the morning of 15 February 2026.
Chaturdashi Tithi ends on the morning of 16 February 2026.
Parana (Fast breaking): Morning of 16 February 2026 after sunrise, once Chaturdashi ends
Fasting rules
Phalahar Vrat (fruit fast): Devotees consume fruits, milk, and water.
Breaking the Fast: Done after offering prayers to Lord Shiva the next morning (Parana).
Spiritual Discipline: Staying awake all night (Jagaran) and chanting Om Namah Shivaya.
The Great Significance of Maha Shivaratri
Supreme Yoga: Thought to be the night when Lord Shiva married Goddess Parvati.
Awareness Victory: Symbolizes overcoming darkness and ignorance through devotion and meditation.
Spiritual Growth: Devotees consider fasting and worship on this day may bring blessings, prosperity, and liberation.
Social Relevance: In Tamil Nadu, young directors focus films on Dalit issues and mirror Shiva as the deity of equality and justice, giving the festival a meaningful cultural resonance.
Pan-India: Celebrated across India, but temples in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Varanasi have huge gatherings and night-long vigils.
Key Takeaways
Date: 15 February 2026
Main Puja: Nishita Kaal, Midnight
Fast: Fruits/milk or strict abstinence, broken on 16 February morning
Significance: Union of Shiva-Parvati, spiritual awakening, blessings for prosperity
