Mahashivratri is one of the most sacred Hindu festivals dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is known as “The Great Night of Shiva.” On this holy night, devotees worship Lord Shiva with deep devotion, fasting, night-long prayers, and meditation. Mahashivratri is believed to be a very powerful time for spiritual growth, removal of negative energies, and seeking blessings for peace, health, and prosperity. In 2026, Mahashivratri will be celebrated with great faith across India and around the world.

In 2026, Mahashivratri will be celebrated on: Mahashivratri Date: Sunday, 15 February 2026 Mahashivratri is observed on the Chaturdashi Tithi of Krishna Paksha in the month of Phalguna, according to the Hindu calendar. Although the tithi continues into the next day, Mahashivratri is mainly celebrated on the night when Nishita Kaal (midnight) occurs on Chaturdashi. Based on this rule, Mahashivratri will be observed on 15 February 2026 in India.

Here are the important tithi timings for Mahashivratri 2026 (as per Indian Standard Time): Chaturdashi Tithi Begins: 15 February 2026 – 05:04 PM Chaturdashi Tithi Ends: 16 February 2026 – 05:34 PM This means that Mahashivratri Puja and fasting are mainly done during the night of 15 February and early morning of 16 February 2026.

Nishita Kaal is considered the most important and powerful time for Lord Shiva Puja on Mahashivratri. This is the midnight period, which is believed to be especially dear to Lord Shiva. Nishita Kaal Puja Muhurat: Time: 11:55 PM to 12:56 AM Date: Night of 15–16 February 2026 Devotees are advised to perform Abhishekam, mantra chanting, and special prayers during this time for maximum spiritual benefit.

Traditionally, the Mahashivratri night is divided into four Prahars (four parts of the night). Each Prahar has special importance for Shiva Puja. Here are the Four Prahar Puja Timings for Mahashivratri 2026 (India):

First Prahar Puja

Time: 6:11 PM to 9:23 PM Date: 15 February 2026

Second Prahar Puja

Time: 9:23 PM to 12:36 AM Date: 15–16 February 2026

Third Prahar Puja

Time: 12:36 AM to 3:47 AM Date: 16 February 2026

Fourth Prahar Puja

Time: 3:47 AM to 6:59 AM Date: 16 February 2026 Devotees who stay awake all night can perform Shiva Puja in all four Prahars for special blessings.

After completing the fast and night-long worship, devotees break their fast (Parana) on the next day.

Shivratri Parana Time:

Date: 16 February 2026 Time: 6:42 AM to 3:10 PM Devotees should break the fast only after sunrise and after completing the morning Shiva Puja.

Performing Shiva Puja at the correct muhurat is believed to bring:

• Blessings of Lord Shiva
• Removal of sins and negative karma
• Peace of mind
• Health and prosperity
• Spiritual growth and inner strength Nishita Kaal and Four Prahar Puja are considered especially powerful for fulfilling wishes and gaining divine grace.

If you are doing Puja at home, here is a simple method:

Step 1: Morning Preparation

• Wake up early
• Take a bath
• Clean the Puja area
• Wear clean clothes

Step 2: Fasting (Vrat)

Observe fast (full or fruit-based) Avoid grains, onion, garlic, and non-vegetarian food

Step 3: Shiva Puja in Evening/Night Offer the following to Shiva Lingam:

• Water
• Milk
• Curd
• Honey
• Ghee
• Sugar
• Bilva (Bel) leaves
• White flowers

Step 4: Mantra Chanting

Chant powerful Shiva mantras like: Om Namah Shivaya Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra

Step 5: Night Vigil (Jagran)

• Stay awake
• Listen to bhajans
• Meditate or read Shiva stories

Mahashivratri is believed to be the night when:

• Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati got married
• Lord Shiva performed the cosmic Tandava
• Lord Shiva saved the universe by drinking poison during Samudra Manthan
• Spiritual energies are at their highest That is why this night is considered very powerful for prayer, meditation, and spiritual awakening.

Puja timings may vary slightly based on city, sunrise/sunset time, and local Panchang. For exact local timings, devotees should check their regional Panchang or temple calendar.

Mahashivratri 2026 will be celebrated on Sunday, 15 February 2026. The most auspicious time for Shiva Puja is Nishita Kaal (11:55 PM to 12:56 AM). Devotees can also perform Puja during all four Prahars of the night. By observing fast, doing Shiva Abhishekam, chanting mantras, and staying awake with devotion, devotees can receive the divine blessings of Lord Shiva for peace, health, and spiritual progress. Mahashivratri is not just a festival, it is a powerful spiritual opportunity to connect with Lord Shiva and purify the mind and soul.