When is Maha Shivaratri 2026?

In 2026, Maha Shivaratri falls on Sunday, 15 February 2026.

What are the Maha Shivaratri puja rituals?

At sunrise, take a bath and begin nirjala or fruit/milk fast.; Every three hours (four prahars), perform Shiva puja with bilva leaves, milk, honey, and bhang.; Chant Om Namah Shivaya and Shiva mantras throughout the night.; Offer water (abhishekam) to the Shiva Lingam; keep a vigil and avoid sleep.

What to eat on Maha Shivaratri?

After fast: fruits, milk, sabudana, Bhang (in some regions), No grains during fast

What should you do on Maha Shivaratri?

Observe fast with sincerity; Offer bilva leaves to Shiva; Stay awake and meditate or chant

What should you avoid on Maha Shivaratri?

Avoid non-vegetarian food and alcohol; Do not sleep during the night; Avoid anger and negative thoughts

Maha Shivaratri 2026

Major Festival

Sunday, 15 February 2026 New Delhi

Location New Delhi

Popular cities

Maha Shivaratri 2026 · New Delhi

Date	Weekday	Special name
15 February 2026	Sunday	—

Maha Shivaratri — Significance

Maha Shivaratri is the Great Night of Shiva, when devotees stay awake in devotion, fasting and offering prayers. It is one of the most sacred nights for Shaivites.

Maha Shivaratri — Mythology & Legend

According to the Shiva Purana, on this night Lord Shiva performed the cosmic dance (Tandava) and married Parvati. Another legend says that Shiva saved the world by drinking the poison (halahala) that emerged during the churning of the ocean, and Parvati held it in his throat, turning it blue (Neelkanth).

Maha Shivaratri — Rituals & Puja Vidhi

At sunrise, take a bath and begin nirjala or fruit/milk fast.
Every three hours (four prahars), perform Shiva puja with bilva leaves, milk, honey, and bhang.
Chant Om Namah Shivaya and Shiva mantras throughout the night.
Offer water (abhishekam) to the Shiva Lingam; keep a vigil and avoid sleep.
At dawn the next day, perform the final puja and break the fast.

Maha Shivaratri — Mantras & Prayers

ॐ नमः शिवाय

oṃ namaḥ śivāya

Salutations to Shiva

Maha Shivaratri — Traditional Foods

After fast: fruits, milk, sabudana
Bhang (in some regions)
No grains during fast

Maha Shivaratri — Regional celebrations

North India (महाशिवरात्रि): Temple visits, night-long bhajans
South India (மகா சிவராத்திரி): Lingam abhishekam
Nepal (महाशिवरात्रि): Great national festival at Pashupatinath

Maha Shivaratri — Do / Don't

Do

Observe fast with sincerity
Offer bilva leaves to Shiva
Stay awake and meditate or chant
Visit a Shiva temple

Don't

Avoid non-vegetarian food and alcohol
Do not sleep during the night
Avoid anger and negative thoughts

Maha Shivaratri — FAQ

What is Maha Shivaratri?: Maha Shivaratri is the Great Night of Shiva, when devotees stay awake in devotion, fasting and offering prayers.
When is Maha Shivaratri 2026?: In 2026, Maha Shivaratri falls on Sunday, 15 February 2026.
What are the Maha Shivaratri puja rituals?: At sunrise, take a bath and begin nirjala or fruit/milk fast.; Every three hours (four prahars), perform Shiva puja with bilva leaves, milk, honey, and bhang.; Chant Om Namah Shivaya and Shiva mantras throughout the night.; Offer water (abhishekam) to the Shiva Lingam; keep a vigil and avoid sleep.
What to eat on Maha Shivaratri?: After fast: fruits, milk, sabudana, Bhang (in some regions), No grains during fast
What should you do on Maha Shivaratri?: Observe fast with sincerity; Offer bilva leaves to Shiva; Stay awake and meditate or chant
What should you avoid on Maha Shivaratri?: Avoid non-vegetarian food and alcohol; Do not sleep during the night; Avoid anger and negative thoughts