Mahashivratri 2026 Date Time: When is Mahashivratri 2026? Know the exact date of Mahashivratri this year, puja auspicious time, beginning and end time of Chaturdashi Tithi, Nishita Kaal puja date, time, fasting rules, puja material list and importance of Mahashivratri.
Mahashivratri 2026 Date and Puja Muhurat: Mahashivratri is one of the most sacred and important festivals dedicated to Lord Shiva. ‘Mahashivratri’ means the great night of Lord Shiva. On this day, special prayers are performed in Shiva temples across the country, devotees observe fast and remember Shiva by staying awake the whole night. Among the 12 Shivratri’s that come in a year, the Shivratri falling on Krishna Paksha Chaturdashi of Phalgun month is called ‘Mahashivratri’ and it has the highest religious significance. It is believed that the marriage of Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati took place on this holy night. If you are also wondering when is Mahashivratri 2026 this time, then know here the exact date, time and auspicious time of Mahashivratri puja.
Mahashivratri 2026 Date: When is Mahashivratri?
According to Hindu calendar, Krishna Paksha Chaturdashi tithi of Phalgun month will start from 5:04 PM on 15th February 2026 and will continue till 5:34 PM on 16th February 2026. Let us tell you that the festival of Mahashivratri is celebrated on the day when Chaturdashi Tithi falls in Nishita Kaal (special time of midnight). On this basis, Mahashivratri 2026 will be celebrated on 15 February (Sunday).
Mahashivratri Puja Time: Importance of Nishita Kaal, not Udayatithi in Mahashivratri Puja?
Most of the Hindu festivals are celebrated on the basis of Udayatithi (date at the time of sunrise). But the rules of Mahashivratri are different. This festival is celebrated on the day when Chaturdashi Tithi falls in the Nishita period of the night. Religious belief is that Lord Shiva appeared at this time. Therefore midnight worship has special significance. During this time, offering water, milk and Belpatra on Shivalinga is considered very auspicious.
Mahashivratri Puja Samagri: Note down the Mahashivratri puja material list.
Devotees already collect materials for worship on Mahashivratri. Generally these things are needed-
- Shivalinga and white clothes
- Belpatra, Datura, Bhang, Shami Patra
- Ganga water, raw milk, curd, honey
- Rice (intact), sandalwood, saffron
- white and lotus flowers
- incense, lamp, camphor
- Fruits, Sweets and Prasad (Halwa, Thandai, Lassi)
- Bhasma, Mauli, Janeu
- makeup material for goddess parvati
- It is believed that Lord Shiva is pleased by worship and meditation done with true heart.
Vigil throughout the night has special significance in Mahashivratri puja.
There is a tradition of Jagran (stay awake and do bhajan-kirtan and meditation) on the night of Mahashivratri. According to astrological beliefs, on this night the position of the planets and stars is such that energy flows upward in the body. Chanting and meditating while awake with a straight spine helps in spiritual progress. Devotees believe that by worshiping Lord Shiva on this day-
- There is happiness in married life.
- Gets desired life partner.
- There is peace in the family.
- One gets relief from suffering.
In such a situation, if you are also thinking of observing fast on Mahashivratri in 2026, then note down the date of 15 February 2026 and take special care of the night puja.