New Delhi, India — February 12, 2026 — All across India and beyond, people are getting ready for Maha Shivratri 2026, a festival that means a lot to anyone who worships Lord Shiva. The name literally means “The Great Night of Shiva,” and that’s exactly what it is — a night packed with old traditions, fasting, prayers that last until sunrise, and temple ceremonies. It’s all about seeking Shiva’s blessings.
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So, When Is Maha Shivratri This Year?
Maha Shivratri lands on Sunday, February 15, 2026. That’s the night of Phalguna Krishna Chaturdashi in the Hindu lunar calendar — a night that’s always been special for Shiva devotees.
Even though the main day is February 15, people stretch the rituals into the early hours of February 16. Midnight worship — called Nishita Kaal puja — and pre-dawn prayers are a big deal for many.
What Does Maha Shivratri Really Mean?
Maha Shivratri isn’t just another festival. It’s packed with deeper meaning:
Union of Shiva and Shakti: The day celebrates the cosmic partnership of Shiva and Parvati — consciousness and energy coming together. Chasing Away Darkness: People believe this night helps turn ignorance into wisdom through prayer, meditation, and sheer discipline. The Shiva Linga Appears: According to tradition, Shiva revealed himself as a glowing lingam on this night. That’s why rituals now are said to carry extra power.
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How Do People Celebrate? Fasting, Rituals, and More
Here’s how devotees usually spend Maha Shivratri:
Fasting: Many go without food all day on February 15, breaking the fast only after the rituals wrap up the next morning. Midnight Puja (Nishita Kaal): The most sacred prayers start around 12:09 AM and go until 1:01 AM on February 16. This is the peak hour for chanting mantras and bathing the Shiva lingam.
Puja Prahars: Besides the midnight worship, people often split the night into four segments (prahars), each with its own set of prayers. They say this brings even greater spiritual benefits.
Offerings: Throughout the night, devotees offer water, milk, bilva leaves, fruits, and incense — either at home or at the temple.
India’s Temples and Communities Come Alive
Temples across the country are already getting decked out with lights and flowers. Crowds head to legendary spots like Kedarnath, Kashi Vishwanath, Mahakaleshwar, and Somnath — plus plenty of smaller local shrines — to keep vigil and pray through the night.
Local officials are stepping in, too, making sure there’s enough power, managing the crowds, and keeping everything running smoothly so people can worship in peace. For a lot of people, Maha Shivratri goes way beyond rituals. It’s a night for looking inward, for seeking transformation, and for holding onto traditions that have lasted for centuries. Whether you’re fasting, chanting Om Namah Shivaya, or just sitting quietly in a temple courtyard under the stars, there’s a feeling of connection — to the past, to each other, and to something bigger.
As the festival draws near, millions are getting ready to spend this powerful night in prayer, reflection, and celebration.
