New Delhi: Maha Shivaratri is one of the most sacred festivals dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is observed every year on Krishna Paksha Chaturdashi in the month of Phalguna. The night holds deep spiritual meaning, as devotees fast, remain awake, and offer prayers to seek inner peace and strength.
In 2026, Maha Shivaratri will be observed in mid-February, with important nighttime puja periods considered highly auspicious.
Maha Shivaratri 2026: Date and day
Maha Shivaratri will be observed on Sunday, 15 February 2026.
The festival is celebrated on the day when Chaturdashi Tithi remains present during the night, as night worship is the most important rule for deciding the correct observance date. In 2026, this condition is fulfilled on 15 February.
Maha Shivaratri 2026 Chaturdashi tithi timings
According to the Hindu Panchang:
- Chaturdashi Tithi Begins: 05:04 PM on 15 February 2026
- Chaturdashi Tithi Ends: 05:34 PM on 16 February 2026
Since the Chaturdashi Tithi continues throughout the night of 15–16 February, Maha Shivaratri will be rightly observed on Sunday, 15 February 2026.
Maha Shivaratri 2026 Nishita kaal puja time 2026
Nishita Kaal refers to the midnight period, which is considered the most sacred time for Shiva worship on Maha Shivaratri.
- Nishita Kaal Puja Time: 12:09 AM to 01:01 AM on 16 February 2026
- Duration: 51 minutes
Devotees believe that performing Shiva Puja during Nishita Kaal strengthens devotion and brings mental clarity. This period is especially significant for offering Abhishek and chanting Shiva mantras.
Maha Shivaratri 2026: Four prahar puja timings on Maha Shivaratri Night
The night of Maha Shivaratri is divided into four equal parts called prahars. Worship during each prahar is considered meaningful.
- First Prahar: 06:11 PM to 09:23 PM on 15 February
- Second Prahar: 09:23 PM to 12:35 AM on 16 February
- Third Prahar: 12:35 AM to 03:47 AM on 16 February
- Fourth Prahar: 03:47 AM to 06:59 AM on 16 February
Devotees may perform Abhishek with milk or water, chant “Om Namah Shivaya,” or meditate during any of these prahars according to their ability.
Maha Shivaratri 2026: Parana Time
Parana refers to breaking the fast after Maha Shivaratri.
- Parana Time: 06:59 AM to 03:24 PM on 16 February 2026
The fast should be broken only after sunrise and after the completion of Chaturdashi Tithi. The above window is considered appropriate for Parana in 2026.
Why night worship is important
Maha Shivaratri is observed at night because it is believed that Lord Shiva is most easily worshipped during the quiet hours. Devotees stay awake, fast, and meditate as a way to maintain discipline and spiritual focus.
The festival is also associated with the divine union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati and is regarded as a powerful time for spiritual reflection.
Maha Shivaratri 2026 offers devotees an opportunity to observe fasting, night worship, and prayer during highly auspicious timings. The most auspicious time for worship falls during Nishita Kaal after midnight, while the fast should be broken the next morning within the prescribed Parana window. The night remains deeply significant for those seeking devotion, discipline, and spiritual clarity.
Written by :- Tanya Singh, Astropatri.com. For feedback, please write to [email protected].