Mahashivratri 2026: When and why is Mahashivratri celebrated? Read its religious significance here.

News Topical, Digital Desk : Phalguna begins after Magh Purnima. According to the Vedic calendar, Phalguna begins on February 2nd. Shiva devotees eagerly await the arrival of this month, as the festival of Mahashivratri is celebrated with great enthusiasm during Phalguna. Shiva temples are particularly vibrant on this day.

According to religious belief, worshipping Lord Shiva and fasting on Mahashivratri brings relief from all life's sorrows and increases happiness and prosperity. But do you know why Mahashivratri (Mahashivratri 2026) is celebrated? If you don't know, let us tell you the special reason.

Why is Mahashivratri celebrated?

According to legend, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati were married on the Chaturdashi Tithi (fourteenth day) of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) of the month of Phalguna. Goddess Parvati performed penance to win Lord Shiva as her husband. Her penance resulted in her marriage to Lord Shiva. Therefore, Mahashivratri is celebrated with great pomp and show every year.

Mahashivratri 2026 Date and Time? (Mahashivratri 2026 Date and Shubh Muhurat)

According to the Vedic calendar, the festival of Mahashivratri will be celebrated on February 15 (When is Mahashivratri 2026).
Beginning of Chaturdashi Tithi of Krishna Paksha of Phalgun month - on February 15 at 05:34 pm
End of Chaturdashi Tithi of Krishna Paksha of Phalgun month - on February 16 at 06:04 pm
Auspicious time for worship - from 05:54 pm to 09:03 pm
Auspicious time for middle worship - from 09:03 pm to 12:12 am late night.

Keep these things in mind

• On the day of Mahashivratri, wake up early in the morning and take a bath.
• Wear clean clothes and offer prayers to the Sun God.
• Perform the anointment with milk, curd, ghee, honey and sugar etc. as per the prescribed method.
• Offer 11 or 21 Bilva leaves on Shivling
• Take a vow to fast.
• Chant mantras and recite Shiv Chalisa during the puja.
• Recite the fast story.
• Donate things like food, money etc. to the temple or to poor people.
• Take special care of the cleanliness of the temple.
• Do not argue with anyone.

Read More: Today's Panchang 20 January 2026: Today is the second day of Gupt Navratri, these auspicious yogas are being formed, read the Panchang.