Mahashivratri 2026 Date, Time: When Is Mahashivratri? February 14 or 15? Date, Puja Time, Shubh Muhurat, More

Mahashivratri Date, Time: One of the most auspicious Hindu festivals, Mahashivratri, is all set to be celebrated this week. The festival is dedicated to Lord Shiva, revered as the destroyer within the Trimurti. Amid Mahashivratri preparations, there is confusion about the exact date of celebration of the festival.

Mahashivratri celebration date is based on the Hindu lunar calendar, ie Hindu panchang, which coincides with two Gregorian calendar days. Here are all the details about when will Mahashivratri be celebrated.

When Will Mahashivratri Be Celebrated?

Mahashivratri will be celebrated on February 15, i.e., on Sunday, according to Drik Panchang. Mahashivratri is celebrated on the Chaturdashi Tithi (fourteenth day) of Krishna Paksha in the Phalguna month, which usually coincides with February and March every year. Mahashivratri 2026 will be celebrated on February 15, as per Drik Panchang.

Mahashivratri Tithi

As per the Hindu Panchang, Mahashivratri Tithi (ie Chaturdashi Tithi) begins at 5:04 pm on February 15, 2026. The Mahashivratri 2026 Tithi will conclude at 5:34 pm on February 16, 2026.

Mahashivratri Muhurat Timings

Mahashivratri's Nishita Kaal Puka Time will start at 12:09 am and will end at 1:01 am on February 16. Other important Mahashivratri Muhurat timings are mentioned below:

Ratri First Prahar Puja Time will begin at 6:11 pm and will conclude at 9:23 pm. Ratri Second Prahar Puja Time will start at 9:23 pm and conclude at 12:35 am.

Ratri Third Prahar Puja Time will start at 12:35 AM and end at 03:47 AM on Feb 16. Ratri Fourth Prahar Puja Time will start at 03:47 AM and conclude at 06:59 AM on Feb 16.

Mahashivratri Details

Maha Shivaratri is observed across India as a major night of fasting and worship. Devotees honour the union of Shiva and Shakti during this sacred occasion. Temples see long queues, while many people stay awake through the night chanting Shiva mantras.
The fasting routine for Maha Shivaratri usually begins a day earlier, on Trayodashi. Devotees eat only once on that day and avoid heavy food.

Mahashivratri Vrat Procedure

Mahashivratri fasting includes worshippers' promise to maintain discipline during the fast and complete it without a break. They also request Lord Shiva's help to stay focused and calm. Hindu fasts are often very strict, so this mental preparation is considered essential before starting the vrat.

Chaturdashi Tithi during Krishna Paksha in the month of Magha is called Maha Shivaratri, according to Drik Panchang. Under the North Indian calendar, the Masik Shivaratri that falls in Phalguna carries the Maha Shivaratri name. The difference lies only in how the lunar month is labelled.