Maha Shivaratri Description
Maha Shivaratri, meaning the 'Great Night of Shiva,' is a major Hindu festival celebrated in honor of Lord Shiva. In 2026, it falls on approximately February 15th (provisional date based on Hindu lunar calendar — the 14th day of the dark fortnight in the month of Phalguna). Devotees observe a day-long fast and stay awake through the night (jagaran), offering bel leaves, milk, honey, and water to Shiva lingams in temples. It is a gazetted holiday in many states, particularly in North India and the Hindi belt. Major Shiva temples — including the 12 Jyotirlingas such as Kashi Vishwanath (Varanasi), Somnath (Gujarat), Mahakaleshwar (Ujjain), and Kedarnath (Uttarakhand) — see massive crowds of pilgrims. In states like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Maharashtra, government offices, schools, and banks typically close. The festival is also widely observed in Nepal. Unmarried women traditionally fast and pray for a husband like Shiva, while married women pray for their husband's well-being. Many devotees consume bhang (a cannabis-based preparation) as part of religious tradition, particularly in Varanasi and parts of North India.
