Festival guide 4966
Maha Shivaratri
Maha Shivaratri, the Great Night of Shiva, is the most sacred night dedicated to Lord Shiva. It marks the night when Shiva performed the cosmic dance (Tandava) and is celebrated with night-long vigil, fasting, and worship.
When to read
Monday, 24 March 4966
Central timing
Nishita Kaal Puja
Festival length
Single-day observance
Coming next
1073625 days until the observance begins.
Start with the story
Understand the observance before you open the schedule
Maha Shivaratri is best read by understanding the central window, then the local custom around it.
Observed on
Monday, 24 March 4966
Primary window
Nishita Kaal Puja
Festival length
Single-day observance
Festival Significance
Why this observance stays alive in memory
Maha Shivaratri, the Great Night of Shiva, is the most sacred night dedicated to Lord Shiva. It marks the night when Shiva performed the cosmic dance (Tandava) and is celebrated with night-long vigil, fasting, and worship.
Ritual path
Rituals
Observe fast from sunrise. Perform Shiva Puja during four prahar of the night with milk, curd, honey, and ghee abhishek. Chant Om Namah Shivaya. Offer bel patra, dhatura, and blue flowers.
Discipline
Fasting
Strict 24-hour fast, often nirjala. Some consume only fruits and milk. Fast is broken the next morning after puja.
In Varanasi
Where the city adds its own colour
Varanasi, the city of Shiva, celebrates Maha Shivaratri with unmatched fervor. Kashi Vishwanath Temple sees millions of devotees. A grand procession (Shahi Sawari) of Lord Shiva passes through the lanes of the old city. Every Shiva temple in Varanasi is illuminated and packed with worshippers.
