Maha Shivaratri 2026 Date || 2026 Maha Shivaratri || Maha Shivaratri will be celebrated on Sunday, February 15, 2026 ||

In 2026, Maha Shivaratri will be celebrated on Sunday, February 15, 2026.

The festival is observed on the Chaturdashi Tithi (the 14th day) of the Krishna Paksha in the Hindu month of Phalguna. Since the most important rituals, including the Nishita Kaal (midnight) puja, fall during the night when the Tithi is active, the main celebrations take place on Sunday night.

Important Timings (Muhurat)

While exact times can vary slightly by location, the general timings for India are:

| Chaturdashi Tithi Begins | 5:04 PM on Feb 15, 2026 |

| Nishita Kaal Puja | 12:09 AM to 1:01 AM (Night of Feb 15 / Morning of Feb 16) |

| Chaturdashi Tithi Ends | 5:34 PM on Feb 16, 2026 |

| Shivaratri Parana (Fast Breaking) | 6:59 AM to 3:24 PM on Feb 16, 2026 |

Four Prahar Puja Timings

For devotees who perform prayers throughout the four quarters of the night:

 * 1st Prahar: 6:11 PM to 9:23 PM (Feb 15)

 * 2nd Prahar: 9:23 PM to 12:35 AM (Feb 16)

 * 3rd Prahar: 12:35 AM to 3:47 AM (Feb 16)

 * 4th Prahar: 3:47 AM to 6:59 AM (Feb 16)

Significance

Maha Shivaratri, or the "Great Night of Shiva," commemorates the wedding of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Devotees often observe a strict fast, perform Rudrabhishek (ceremonial bathing of the Shiva Lingam), and participate in Jagarana (an all-night vigil) to overcome darkness and ignorance.