Maha Shivaratri – February 26, 2025
Location: Varanasi, Ujjain (Madhya Pradesh), Rishikesh (Uttarakhand)
Massive crowds come together at Shiva temples for all-night vigils and prayers.
- Puja Time: February 26, 12:14 AM – 01:04 AM
- Ratri First Prahar Puja Time: February 26, 06:24 PM – 09:32 PM
- Ratri Second Prahar Puja Time: February 26, 09:32 PM – February 27, 12:39 AM
- Ratri Third Prahar Puja Time: February 27, 12:39 AM – 03:46 AM
- Ratri Fourth Prahar Puja Time: February 27, 03:46 AM – 06:53 AM
Maha Shivratri is one such festival. It is one of the most revered and widely celebrated festivals in India, holding great importance in the lives of Indian people.
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What is Maha Shivratri?
Maha Shivratri is a grand and significant festival in India, celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm. It falls in the Indian month of Phalgun, which corresponds to February or March in the Gregorian calendar. One-day festival is dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva, and during this time, temples dedicated to Lord Shiva attract countless pilgrims. Day is marked by Shivratri Bhajans (devotional songs), fasting, and special Shivratri Puja (prayers).
In addition to Maha Shivratri, there is another Shivratri known as Shravana Shivratri, which occurs during the rainy season. However, the rituals of Maha Shivratri are distinct and hold more traditional significance compared to other Shiva pujas. Hindus across most states in India celebrate Maha Shivratri, making it one of the most important and widely observed festivals in the country.
Maha Shivaratri History
Maha Shivratri, which translates to “Great Night of Shiva,” is a significant Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is celebrated annually on the 14th night of the dark fortnight in the month of Phalguna (February or March), just before the new moon.
When is Shivaratri 2025 celebrated?
Maha Shivratri is typically celebrated on the 13th or 14th day of the Krishna Paksha in the Indian month of Falgun. To the Gregorian calendar, this usually falls in February or March. Festival is observed just before the occurrence of the new moon, based on the lunar calendar.
Maha Shivratri 2025 Rituals
Maha Shivratri is a day of deep devotion and spiritual practices dedicated to Lord Shiva. Key rituals observed during Maha Shivratri 2025:
- Fasting: Typically fast throughout the day, consuming only meager amounts of fruits and milk. Fast is a form of penance and devotion to Lord Shiva.
- Night Puja: Special pujas are conducted at various temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Highlight of the night is the ‘Rudrabhisheka’ ritual, where devotees bathe the Shiva Lingam with milk, honey, and water, and offer sweets, fruits, and prayers.
- Chanting and Meditation: Spiritual experts advise practicing meditation and chanting ‘Om Namah Shivaya’ as many times as possible throughout the day. Mantra is believed to purify the mind and soul, bringing devotees closer to Lord Shiva.
- Special Pujas by Married Women: Married women perform special pujas on this day, praying for the health and well-being of their husbands. These rituals are believed to strengthen marital bonds and bring prosperity to the family.
Maha Shivratri is a time for devotees to immerse themselves in the worship of Lord Shiva, seeking his blessings and guidance.
Maha Shivaratri Festival Dates Between 2025 & 2030
| YEAR | DATE |
| 2025 | February 26 (Wednesday) |
| 2026 | February 15 (Sunday) |
| 2027 | March 6 (Saturday) |
| 2028 | February 24 (Thursday) |
| 2029 | February 12 (Monday) |
| 2030 | March 2 (Saturday) |
| 2031 | February 19 (Wednesday) |
| 2032 | February 8 (Sunday) |
| 2033 | February 26 (Friday) |
| 2034 | February 15 (Wednesday) |
