Maha Shivratri 2026: Date, Puja Timings, Sacred Rituals and Traditional Fasting Recipes

Maha Shivratri 2026 marks one of the most spiritually powerful nights in the Hindu calendar, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Observed with devotion, fasting and night-long prayers, this sacred festival brings millions of devotees together to seek blessings, inner peace and fulfilment of wishes through traditional rituals and vrat-friendly food.

When Is Maha Shivratri 2026?

Maha Shivratri is celebrated every year on the Chaturdashi Tithi of Krishna Paksha in the month of Phalguna. In 2026, the festival will be observed on Sunday, 15 February, with devotees across India preparing for an auspicious night of worship and meditation.

Maha Shivratri 2026: Puja Timings and Tithi Details

Devotees perform Shiva Puja during different prahars of the night, with Nishita Kaal considered the most sacred time.

• Maha Shivratri Date : Sunday, 15 February 2026

• Nishita Kaal Puja: 11:57 PM – 12:50 AM (16 February)

• Shivratri Parana Time: 7:00 AM – 7:04 AM (16 February)

• First Prahar Puja: 5:48 PM – 9:06 PM

• Second Prahar Puja: 9:06 PM – 12:24 AM

• Third Prahar Puja: 12:24 AM – 3:42 AM

• Fourth Prahar Puja: 3:42 AM – 7:00 AM

• Chaturdashi Tithi Begins: 6:34 AM (15 February)

• Chaturdashi Tithi Ends: 7:04 AM (16 February)

(Timings as per Drik Panchang)

Significance of Maha Shivratri Fasting

Fasting on Maha Shivratri is believed to purify the body and mind while strengthening devotion towards Lord Shiva. Devotees begin the day with an early bath, followed by temple visits and Abhishek of the Shiva Lingam using milk, water, honey and bel patra.

The fast is maintained throughout the day and night, with continuous chanting and meditation. It is traditionally broken the next morning after performing puja. Non-vegetarian food and grains are strictly avoided, and only vrat-approved, sattvic meals are consumed.

Traditional Maha Shivratri Vrat Rules

• Observe a full or partial fast
• Avoid non-vegetarian food, grains and onion-garlic
• Perform Shiva Abhishek and night-long worship
• Break the fast only after morning puja

5 Traditional Recipes to Prepare on Maha Shivratri 2026

1. Sabudana Khichdi

A light yet filling vrat dish made with soaked sabudana, peanuts and mild spices. It is easy to digest and keeps energy levels high during fasting.

2. Makhana Kheer

This creamy dessert prepared with foxnuts, milk and dry fruits is a popular choice for Maha Shivratri fasting and adds sweetness to the sacred day.

3. Kuttu Puri

Made using buckwheat flour and boiled potatoes, kuttu puri is a fasting-friendly flatbread often enjoyed during Shivratri vrat.

4. Aloo Rasedaar

A comforting potato-based curry cooked without onion or garlic, aloo rasedaar pairs perfectly with kuttu puri during the fast.

5. Sabudana Tikki

Crispy on the outside and soft inside, sabudana tikki is a popular vrat snack that can be enjoyed with vrat-friendly chutney.

Why Maha Shivratri Is Spiritually Special

Maha Shivratri is not just a festival but a night of deep spiritual awakening. Devotees believe that sincere prayers, fasting and meditation on this night help remove negative energies and bring divine grace into life.

Maha Shivratri 2026 is a perfect blend of devotion, discipline and tradition - making it a meaningful occasion to reconnect with faith while enjoying simple, sacred food prepared with purity and devotion.