Maha Shivaratri 2026 Fasting Time: Mahashivaratri is one of the most important festivals for devotees of Shiva. It is observed with great faith across India and by Hindu communities around the world. As per the Hindu calendar, the festival falls on the Chaturdashi Tithi of Krishna Paksha in the month of Phalguna.
The night of Mahashivaratri holds special spiritual meaning. It is believed to be a powerful time for prayer, self-discipline, and inner cleansing. Devotees often observe a day-long fast and remain awake through the night as a mark of devotion. Chanting of “Om Namah Shivaya,” offering milk and water to the Shivling, and performing special pujas are common rituals.
Temples are beautifully decorated, and large numbers of devotees gather to take part in night-long prayers. The atmosphere is filled with devotional songs and the sound of bells and mantras. For many, Maha Shivaratri is not just a festival but a sacred opportunity to seek blessings, peace, and spiritual strength.
MAHASHIVRATRI 2026 CONFIRMED DATE AND TIMING
In 2026, Mahashivaratri is being celebrated today (February 15) from, with devotees across India and other parts of the world preparing for fasting, night-long prayers, and special temple rituals.
Chaturdashi Tithi begins at 05:04 PM on February 15
Chaturdashi Tithi ends at 05:34 PM, February 16
MAHASHIVRATRI 2025 TIMINGS (CONFIRMED): RATRI PRAHAR AND NISHITA KAAL MUHURAT
On the holy night of Maha Shivaratri, worship is performed in four equal parts known as Prahars. Each Prahar has its own special significance, and devotees offer prayers, chant mantras, and perform rituals during these time segments.
Apart from the four Prahars, the Nishita Kaal Puja, observed around midnight, is considered the most powerful and spiritually important period for worshipping Shiva. Many devotees wait for this sacred time to perform special prayers and seek divine blessings.
Ratri First Prahar Puja – 06:26 PM to 09:30 PM, February 15
Ratri Second Prahar Puja – 09:30 PM to 12:34 AM, February 15-16
Ratri Third Prahar Puja – 12:34 AM to 03:38 AM, February 16
Ratri Fourth Prahar Puja – 03:38 AM to 06:42 AM, February 16
Nishita Kaal Puja Time – 12:09 AM to 01:01 AM, February 16
Shivratri Parana Time – 06:59 AM to 03:24 PM, February 16
MAHA SHIVRATRI 2026: SIGNIFICANCE AND RITUALS
Maha Shivaratri holds deep spiritual meaning for devotees of Shiva. The festival symbolises the victory of light over ignorance and is seen as a powerful night for inner growth and self-realisation. Many believe that sincere prayers and night-long devotion on this occasion help a person move closer to spiritual awareness. It is also said in Hindu beliefs that Lord Shiva performed the sacred Tandav, the cosmic dance of creation and destruction, on this night.
Across India, the festival is marked with strong devotion and large gatherings at famous temples. Sacred sites like Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, and Kedarnath Temple witness special prayers, grand aartis, and huge crowds of devotees. Temples and homes are decorated beautifully, while bhajans and kirtans create a spiritual atmosphere.
Fasting is an important part of Maha Shivaratri. Some devotees consume only fruits and milk, while others observe a strict nirjala fast without food or water. Many perform abhishekam by offering milk, honey, water, curd, and bel patra to the Shivalinga. Devotees also stay awake throughout the night for Shivratri Jagran, chanting mantras, meditating, and remembering Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati with full faith and devotion.