Mahashivratri 2026: Avoid these evening mistakes for true devotion

• Mahashivratri is a day of devotion, faith, and self-control, with many observing fasts and performing worship.
• Avoid Tamasic food (meat, fish, eggs) and intoxicants like alcohol or cigarettes, even during fasting, as it goes against the spirit of purification.
• Prioritize Sattvic foods like fruits, milk, sabudana, and avoid garlic and onion to maintain a calm mind for worship.
• Stay awake and alert; avoid laziness and excessive sleep, especially during the night when Lord Shiva and Mata Parvati's marriage is celebrated.
• Refrain from anger, arguments, and abusive language; maintain peace and patience. Offer only traditional items like water, milk, belpatra, and dhatura on Shivling, avoiding turmeric, vermilion, basil, and ketaki flowers.