Maha Shivaratri 2026 | Shivratri 2026 date

Shivratri or Maha Shivaratri is one of the major Hindu festivals celebrated with gaiety. In 2026, Maha Shivaratri date is February 15.

Maha Shivaratri is observed on Krishna Paksha Trayodasi / Chaturdashi in Falgun month as per North Indian calendars and Krishna Trayodasi / Chaturdashi in Magha month as per Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh calendars.

Devotees observe upvas (fasting) and Jagran on Shivratri to get blessings of Lord Shiva.

In the Puranas many kathas (stories and legends) explained the origin and significance of the festival Maha Shivaratri. As per one, during the period of churning the ocean (sagar manthan) by the gods and the demons, a pot of poison (Kaal koot) emerged from the ocean. This sudden incident terrified the dev ganas and asura ganas as the poison was capable of creating mahapralaya (deluge), which can destroy the entire universe.

To save themselves and the universe they went to Lord Shiva for help. For the world’s safer existence and the survival of living beings, Shiva drank the ‘Kaal koot visha (terrible poison). But, instead of swallowing he kept it in his throat. Keeping the deadly poison in his throat made Shivas throat turn blue. Because of this great miracle Shiva is also called Neelakanta, the one who has blue throat.

To commemorate the event of Shiva protecting the world with his miraculous act, we celebrate Maha Shivrathri.

Maha Shivaratri Puja Procedure, Shivratri Pujan Vidhi

Shivaratri Puja Mantras, Stotras or slokas to chant during Mahashivratri Pooja

Maha Shivaratri 2026 dates in other countries

Maha Shivaratri 2026 date in Hawaii, USA – February 15

Maha Shivaratri 2026 date in USA – February 15 (PST – Seattle, Vancouver BC, Oregon, California)

Maha Shivaratri 2026 date in Canada -February 15

Maha Shivaratri 2026 date in USA – February 15 (MST – Denver CO)

Maha Shivaratri 2026 date in USA – February 15 (CST – Chicago)

Maha Shivaratri 2026 date in USA – February 15 (EST – Atlanta, Detroit)

Maha Shivaratri 2026 date in USA – February 15 (EST – Boston, Washington)

Maha Shivaratri 2026 date in Trinidad & Tobago – February 15

Maha Shivaratri 2026 date in UK & other countries of Europe – February 15

Maha Shivaratri 2026 date in Dubai & other Middle East, Gulf countries – February 15

Maha Shivaratri 2026 date in Malaysia – February 15

Maha Shivaratri 2026 date in Singapore – February 15

Maha Shivaratri 2026 date in Australia – February 15 (WAU – Perth)

Maha Shivaratri 2026 date in Australia – February 15 (SAU – Adelaide)

Maha Shivaratri 2026 date in Australia – February 15 (NT – Darwin)

Maha Shivaratri 2026 date in Australia – February 15 (QUEENSLAND – Brisbane)

Maha Shivaratri 2026 date in Australia – February 15 (NSW – Sydney)

Maha Shivaratri 2026 date in Australia – February 15 (ACT – Canberra)

Maha Shivaratri 2026 date in Australia – February 15 (Victoria – Melbourne)

Maha Shivaratri 2026 date in New Zealand – February 15

Maha Shivaratri 2026 date in Fiji Islands – February 15

Maha Shivaratri in Previous Years

In 2025, Maha Shivaratri date is February 26.

In 2024, Maha Shivaratri date is March 8.

In 2023, Maha Shivaratri date is February 18.

In 2022, Maha Shivaratri date is March 1.

In 2021, Maha Shivaratri date is March 11.

In 2020, Maha Shivaratri date is February 21.

In 2019, Maha Shivaratri date was March 4.

In 2018, Maha Shivaratri date was February 13.

In 2017, Maha Shivaratri date was February 24.