Mahashivratri 2026: Date, Puja Timings, Fasting Rituals Explained

• Mahashivratri 2026 will be observed on Sunday, February 15, with the Chaturdashi Tithi beginning at 5:04 PM on February 15 and ending at 5:34 PM on February 16.
• The most auspicious period for worship, including Nishita Kaal puja, falls on the night of February 15.
• The festival commemorates the divine marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva's cosmic Tandava dance.
• Fasting is a sacred vow, involving abstinence from food or consumption of only fruits, milk, and water, broken after night-long vigil and puja.
• Rituals include offering water, milk, honey, and bilva leaves to the Shiva Lingam during four prahars, with Nishita Kaal being the most powerful time.