Maha Shivratri, honoring Lord Shiva, is celebrated through sacred rituals aimed at enhancing spiritual connections. It occurs in February or March, determined by the Hindu calendar, with the next celebration on February 26, 2025. Important timings include Nishita Kaal Puja from 12:09-12:59 AM on February 27. Rituals involve decorating the Shiva Linga, fasting, and offering various foods to Shiva. Devotees bathe and visit temples to pray, lighting lamps and staying overnight for worship. Celebrations often feature processions of Lord Shiva and Parvati. The fast concludes with a light sattvik meal, including non-cereal foods, fruits, and sweets.
Maha Shivratri, observed in reverence to Lord Shiva, is steeped in tradition and involves various sacred rituals aimed at enhancing the spiritual bond between believers and the divine. The festival generally takes place in February or March, depending on the precise tithi of the Hindu calendar – the fourteenth (Chaturdashi) day of the waning phase of the lunar month of Phalguna or Magha. This year, Maha Shivratri will occur on February 26, 2025. The festival holds great spiritual importance and is celebrated in numerous states across the country.
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In 2025, Maha Shivratri will be celebrated on Wednesday, February 26, with the Nishita Kaal Puja (midnight prayer) occurring from 12:09 AM to 12:59 AM on February 27.
Maha Shivratri Auspicious Timings
- Nishita Kaal Puja Time – 12:37 AM to 01:29 AM, Feb 27
- Shivaratri Parana Time on 27th Feb – 07:36 AM, Feb 27
- Ratri First Prahar Puja Time – 06:30 PM to 09:46 PM
- Ratri Second Prahar Puja Time – 09:46 PM to 01:03 AM, Feb 27
- Ratri Third Prahar Puja Time – 01:03 AM to 04:20 AM, Feb 27
- Ratri Fourth Prahar Puja Time – 04:20 AM to 07:36 AM, Feb 27
- Chaturdashi Tithi Begins – 06:38 AM on Feb 26, 2025
- Chaturdashi Tithi Ends – 04:24 AM on Feb 27, 2025
Rituals
The rituals associated with Mahashivratri include adorning the Shiva Linga with flowers and bael leaves. Devotees typically observe a full-day fast and present bhaang, fruits, honey, ghee, sweets, and milk to Lord Shiva. They rise early in the morning to bathe before heading to the temple to receive blessings from the deity.
On the night of Mahashivratri, individuals congregate at the temple for the worship of the Shiva Linga. Devotees illuminate lamps and stay awake throughout the night within the temple premises. In many temples across India, vibrant processions featuring Lord Shiva and Parvati are conducted at night, carried on a palanquin.
A light sattvik meal is usually enjoyed to conclude the fast on Mahashivratri, with prasad typically including non-cereal items, fruits, and sweets.