Maha Shivratri 2026 Date, Nishita Kaal and Char Prahar Puja
Maha Shivratri 2026 was observed on Sunday, 15 February 2026. Nishita Kaal puja (New Delhi): 12:09 AM – 1:01 AM on 16 February.
Maha Shivratri 2026 date and Chaturdashi tithi
Maha Shivratri 2026: Sunday, 15 February 2026 (observed)
Maha Shivratri is observed on the Chaturdashi of the dark fortnight in Phalguna (Purnimanta calendar; Magha in the Amanta calendar used in South and West India). In 2026 Chaturdashi tithi ran from 5:04 PM on 15 February to 5:34 PM on 16 February (New Delhi). Because Chaturdashi prevailed during Nishita Kaal (Hindu midnight) on the night of the 15th, the fast and night worship were on Sunday, 15 February.
Puja timings (New Delhi)
| Puja | Time (IST) |
|---|---|
| Nishita Kaal puja | 12:09 AM – 1:01 AM (16 Feb) |
| Ratri first prahar | 6:11 PM – 9:23 PM |
| Ratri second prahar | 9:23 PM – 12:35 AM |
| Ratri third prahar | 12:35 AM – 3:47 AM |
| Ratri fourth prahar | 3:47 AM – 6:59 AM |
| Parana (breaking the fast), 16 Feb | 6:59 AM – 3:24 PM |
Significance
Maha Shivratri, “the great night of Shiva”, is the most important of the twelve monthly Shivratris. Devotees remember it as the night of Shiva’s cosmic dance and of his marriage to Parvati, and as the night Shiva appeared as an endless pillar of light (Jyotirlinga). Fasting, staying awake (jagaran) and chanting through the night are central to the observance.
Rituals
- Observe a fast (nirjala or phalahar) from sunrise; break it during the parana window the next morning.
- Perform abhishek of the Shivling with water, milk, curd, honey, ghee and Ganga jal, and offer bilva (bel) leaves, dhatura and white flowers.
- Worship once in each of the four night prahars, or at least during Nishita Kaal.
- Chant “Om Namah Shivaya” and the Mahamrityunjaya mantra; visit a Shiva temple or a Jyotirlinga.
Panchang for the day
Panchang for 15 February 2026 (New Delhi).
Maha Shivratri 2027
Maha Shivratri 2027 is on Saturday, 6 March 2027.
Related
All times are IST for New Delhi unless stated otherwise. Muhurat changes with your city’s sunrise, sunset and moonrise: check today’s Panchang for your location. Outside India the date can differ; use your local panchang. Sources: Drik Panchang (New Delhi), cross-checked with Free Panchang’s own calculation (Lahiri ayanamsa); AstroSage 2026 festival calendar.
Frequently asked questions
- Maha Shivratri 2026 kab thi?
- Maha Shivratri 2026 was on Sunday, 15 February 2026.
- What was the Nishita Kaal time on Maha Shivratri 2026?
- In New Delhi Nishita Kaal puja was from 12:09 AM to 1:01 AM IST on the night of 15–16 February 2026.
- When was the Maha Shivratri 2026 parana?
- The fast was broken on 16 February 2026 between 6:59 AM and 3:24 PM IST (New Delhi).