Maha Shivaratri 2026: Maha Shivaratri has created confusion among devotees regarding whether Maha Shivaratri will be celebrated on 15th February or 16th February. According to the Hindu Panchang, the date to observe Maha Shivaratri should be on 15th February 2026, as on this day Chaturdashi Tithi will occur on the night. Chaturdashi Tithi occurs on the 14th day of the lunar cycle.
The Chaturdashi Tithi would start at 5:04 PM on 15th February 2026 and end at 5:34 PM on 16th February 2026. As the night of 15th February would fall during the Tithi, Maha Shivaratri would be celebrated on 15th February 2026, i.e., Sunday.
Most Auspicious Puja Muh
Nishita Kaal, the holiest of hours for performing Shiva Puja, will be from 12:09 AM to 1:01 AM (midnight) on the night of 15th February. Devotees can also perform puja in four night phases called “Prahars” for more spiritual benefits.
Fast (Vrat) Timing
The Maha Shivaratri Fast will commence on the morning of 15th February and will conclude on the morning of 16th February. The time for breaking the fast will lie between 06:59:00 AM and 03:24:00 PM on 16th February.
Puja Materials
The common items used during the puja include Bel Patra, milk, honey, Ganga water, flowers, fruits, incense sticks, sandalwood, sugar, and sweets.
Devotees should wake up early, take a bath, and take a vow of fasting. Place a clean cloth on a small platform, install a Shiva idol or Shivling, and light a ghee lamp. Offer water, milk, and Panchamrit on the Shivling while chanting “Om Namah Shivaya.” Offer Bel leaves, flowers, and fruits, read the Shivaratri story, perform aarti, and distribute prasad..
