Maha Shivaratri 2027

Major Festival

Saturday, 6 March 2027 New Delhi

Location New Delhi

Maha Shivaratri 2027 · New Delhi

DateWeekdaySpecial name
6 March 2027Next Saturday

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

  1. At sunrise, take a bath and begin nirjala or fruit/milk fast.
  2. Every three hours (four prahars), perform Shiva puja with bilva leaves, milk, honey, and bhang.
  3. Chant Om Namah Shivaya and Shiva mantras throughout the night.
  4. Offer water (abhishekam) to the Shiva Lingam; keep a vigil and avoid sleep.
  5. 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

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 2027?
In 2027, Maha Shivaratri falls on Saturday, 6 March 2027.
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