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Festival Profile

Maha Shivaratri

Great night of Lord Shiva, observed with fasting and all-night worship.

All festivals

Maha Shivaratri, the Great Night of Shiva, honours Lord Shiva. It is a night of fasting, meditation and devotion, symbolising the overcoming of darkness and ignorance.

Stories behind the festival

The origin is rooted in the Shiva Purana, with accounts of Shiva's marriage to Parvati, his cosmic dance, and his drinking of the poison during the churning of the ocean.

According to the Shiva Purana, on this night Shiva performed the cosmic dance (Tandava) and married Parvati. It is also the night Shiva is said to have saved the world by drinking the poison that arose from the churning of the ocean.
Shiva Purana

Why we celebrate

Maha Shivaratri, the Great Night of Shiva, honours Lord Shiva. It is a night of fasting, meditation and devotion, symbolising the overcoming of darkness and ignorance.
Shiva Purana

When

It falls on the 14th day (Chaturdashi) of the dark fortnight of Phalguna (February–March).

Who celebrates / for whom

Celebrated by Hindus across India and worldwide, with special vigils and worship in Shiva temples such as those at Varanasi and Somnath.

Origin

The origin is rooted in the Shiva Purana, with accounts of Shiva's marriage to Parvati, his cosmic dance, and his drinking of the poison during the churning of the ocean.
Shiva Purana

Key deities

Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.

How to celebrate

Fast through the day, keep an all-night vigil, worship the Shiva linga with offerings of water, milk, bel leaves, and chant Om Namah Shivaya.

Rituals & offerings

Abhishek of the Shiva linga, offering of bilva leaves, four prahar pujas during the night, and meditation on Lord Shiva.

Key facts

Maha Shivaratri is considered the most significant night for Shiva devotees. It is said that Shiva married Parvati and performed the Tandava on this night.
Shiva Purana