What can I eat during Maha Shivratri?

During Maha Shivratri, you can eat: Fruits (for partial fast), Thandai (without bhang), Milk, Panchamrit, Nuts (after puja). Avoid: All food for nirjala fast, Grains, Non-vegetarian, Alcohol, Onion, Garlic.

What are the rules of Maha Shivratri?

Nirjala fast (no water) from previous night's sunset to next morning's sunrise — partial fast with fruits is also acceptable Perform puja in 4 prahar throughout the night: 6–9 PM, 9 PM–12 AM, 12–3 AM, 3–6 AM Each prahar abhishek with a different substance: milk, curd, ghee, honey Offer bilva (bel) leaves, dhatura flowers, and white flowers to the Shivling Stay awake all night (jagran) — sleeping on Shivratri night negates the fast's merit Recite Shiva Purana, listen to Shiva Katha, or chant Om Namah Shivaya continuously Break fast the next morning (February 19, 2026) after sunrise puja and bathing

What is the mantra for Maha Shivratri?

The main mantra is: ॐ नमः शिवाय (Om Namah Shivaya)

When is the next Maha Shivratri?

The next Maha Shivratri dates are: February 18, 2026

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Once a year (Phalgun Krishna Chaturdashi)

Maha Shivratri

Dedicated to Lord Shiva

Maha Shivratri falls on the 14th night of the waning moon in the Phalguna month. In 2026, it falls on February 18th (Wednesday). It is the most auspicious night for Shiva worship in the entire year. According to the Puranas, this is the night when Shiva performs the Tandava — the cosmic dance of creation and destruction — and also the night of Shiva and Parvati's divine union. Devotees observe nirjala (waterless) fast and perform puja in four prahar (3-hour slots) through the night, staying awake till dawn.

Upcoming Maha Shivratri Dates 2025

February 18, 2026

Vrat Rules & Vidhi

1 Nirjala fast (no water) from previous night's sunset to next morning's sunrise — partial fast with fruits is also acceptable
2 Perform puja in 4 prahar throughout the night: 6–9 PM, 9 PM–12 AM, 12–3 AM, 3–6 AM
3 Each prahar abhishek with a different substance: milk, curd, ghee, honey
4 Offer bilva (bel) leaves, dhatura flowers, and white flowers to the Shivling
5 Stay awake all night (jagran) — sleeping on Shivratri night negates the fast's merit
6 Recite Shiva Purana, listen to Shiva Katha, or chant Om Namah Shivaya continuously
7 Break fast the next morning (February 19, 2026) after sunrise puja and bathing

✅ Allowed Foods

Fruits (for partial fast)
Thandai (without bhang)
Milk
Panchamrit
Nuts (after puja)

❌ Foods to Avoid

All food for nirjala fast
Grains
Non-vegetarian
Alcohol
Onion
Garlic

Sacred Mantra

ॐ नमः शिवाय

Om Namah Shivaya

Chant 108 times with mala beads for maximum benefit

Benefits of Maha Shivratri

Liberation from the cycle of birth and death (moksha), fulfillment of all sincere wishes, forgiveness of all sins, Shiva's direct blessings, and protection from negative forces and untimely death.

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