Festivals
The great night of Shiva — a fast and vigil on the fourteenth night of the waning moon.
Annual festival: general observance date from the 2026 government holiday list. Local ritual times may differ. Other years require reviewed dates. CGCA · 2026
| Deity | Shiva |
|---|---|
| Region | Pan-India |
| Significance | Night vigil and fast |
| Occurs | Annual festival: general observance date from the 2026 government holiday list. Local ritual times may differ. Other years require reviewed dates. |
The great night of Shiva — a fast and vigil on the fourteenth night of the waning moon.
The great night of Shiva — a fast and vigil on the fourteenth night of the waning moon.
Maha Shivaratri is observed on the fourteenth tithi of the waning moon (Krishna Chaturdashi). Devotees fast through the day and keep vigil through the night, offering bel leaves and milk to a Shiva lingam.
Because the date follows the lunar calendar, it moves each year, usually falling in February or early March.