New Delhi: Maha Shivaratri is one of the most sacred Hindu festivals dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is observed every year on Krishna Paksha Chaturdashi in the month of Phalguna. The festival stands for devotion, self-discipline, and spiritual awakening.

In 2026, Maha Shivaratri will be observed in mid-February, with special puja timings considered highly auspicious for devotees. Tanya Singh, Astrologer, Astropatri shares insights for this special day.

Maha Shivaratri will be observed on Sunday, 15 February 2026.

The festival is observed on the day when Chaturdashi Tithi prevails during the night, which is the most important rule for deciding the correct date of Maha Shivaratri. In 2026, this condition is fully met, making 15 February the correct observance date.

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 Chaturdashi Tithi remains present throughout the night of 15–16 February, Maha Shivaratri is rightly celebrated on Sunday, 15 February 2026.

Nishita Kaal, the midnight period, is considered the most auspicious time to perform Shiva Puja on Maha Shivaratri.

• Nishita Kaal Puja Time: 12:09 AM to 01:01 AM on 16 February 2026
  


• Duration: 51 minutes
  

Devotees believe that worshipping Lord Shiva during Nishita Kaal brings spiritual strength, inner peace, and relief from negative energies.

Maha Shivaratri night is divided into four prahars, and worship during each prahar holds special significance.

• First Prahar: 06:11 PM to 09:23 PM (15 February)


• Second Prahar: 09:23 PM to 12:35 AM (16 February)
  


• Third Prahar: 12:35 AM to 03:47 AM (16 February)
  


• Fourth Prahar: 03:47 AM to 06:59 AM (16 February)
  

Devotees may perform Abhishek, mantra chanting, or meditation during one or all prahars, depending on their ability.

Parana refers to the time of breaking the Shivaratri fast.

• 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, which makes this parana window appropriate.

Unlike most Hindu festivals celebrated during the day, Maha Shivaratri is observed at night. According to belief, Lord Shiva is most easily worshipped during the silent hours of the night. Staying awake, fasting, and meditating are considered ways to align the mind and body with higher consciousness.

Maha Shivaratri is also associated with the divine union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati and is regarded as a powerful time for spiritual transformation.