Mahashivratri 2026: Date Confusion Cleared, Fast on Feb 15 for Lord Shiva's Blessings

• Mahashivratri 2026 will be observed on February 15, despite the Phalgun Krishna Chaturdashi extending into February 16.
• The festival is celebrated on February 15 because the Nishita Kaal (midnight period) and the four prahars of the night, crucial for worship, fall within the Chaturdashi Tithi on this day.
• Confusion arose as Hindu festivals typically follow Udaya Tithi (sunrise tithi), but Mahashivratri prioritizes Nishita Kaal for its unique significance.
• Key auspicious times for worship include Abhijit Muhurat (12:13 PM - 12:58 PM), Sandhya Kaal Muhurat (after 07:28 PM), and Nishita Kaal Muhurat (12:09 AM - 01:00 AM late night).
• Fasting rules include abstaining from grains, salt, and tamasic food, consuming sattvic items, avoiding negative thoughts, observing a night vigil, and breaking the fast the next day after sunrise.