Mahashivratri 2026 Date Confusion: Will the Fast Be on Feb 15 or 16?

Mahashivratri is a major Hindu festival dedicated to the worship and devotion of Lord Shiva. Every year, this festival is celebrated on the Chaturdashi Tithi (fourteenth day) of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) of the month of Phalguna.

On this day, devotees observe a fast, perform Abhisheka of the Shivalinga, and stay awake all night to perform special prayers to Lord Shiva. There is confusion regarding the date of Mahashivratri in 2026, whether the fast will be observed on February 15 or 16. Let us find out when the fast will be observed on this day.

When is Mahashivratri 2026?

According to the Hindu calendar, the Phalguna Krishna Chaturdashi Tithi will begin at 5:04 pm on February 15, 2026, and will last until 5:34 pm on February 16, 2026. The most important time for Mahashivratri worship is considered to be from Pradosh Kaal to Nishita Kaal.

For this reason, the Pradosh Vyapini date is not considered for Mahashivratri, but for Mahashivratri. Due to the Chaturdashi date falling during the Pradosh period on the evening of February 15th, the Mahashivratri fast will be observed on Sunday, February 15th, 2026, while the fast will be broken on February 16th.

Why is Mahashivratri celebrated?

According to religious beliefs, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati were married on the night of Mahashivratri. Furthermore, this day symbolizes the worship of the Shiva element. It is believed that worshipping Shiva with a true heart on this day removes sorrow, fear, and negativity from life.

Mahashivratri is considered a festival of restraint, meditation, and self-purification, so fasting and staying awake all night on this day has special significance.

Mahashivratri Puja Muhurat 2026

Mahashivratri Vrat: February 15, 2026, Sunday
Nishita Kaal Puja Time: 12:09 AM to 1:01 AM (February 16)
Vrat Breaking Time: 6:59 AM to 3:24 AM
First Night Prahar Puja: 6:11 PM to 9:23 PM
Second Night Prahar Puja: 9:23 PM to 12:35 AM
Third Night Prahar Puja: 12:35 AM to 3:47 PM
Fourth Night Prahar Puja: 3:47 AM to 6:59 AM

Mahashivratri Puja Method

1. On Mahashivratri, wake up early in the morning, take a bath, and wear clean clothes.
2. Take a vow to fast. At home or in a temple, anoint the Shivalinga with water, milk, yogurt, ghee, honey, and Ganga water.
3. Afterward, offer Belpatra (wood apple leaves), ash, white flowers, Datura (dattura), and whole grains.
4. Chant the mantra "Om Namah Shivaya" or read the Shiva Chalisa. It is customary to worship Lord Shiva at different times throughout the night.
5. Finally, perform an aarti (sacred arti) to Lord Shiva and break the fast the next day.

Significance of Mahashivratri Vrat

The Mahashivratri fast is considered very fruitful in Hinduism. It is believed that devotees who observe this fast with devotion and discipline receive special blessings from Lord Shiva. This fast is not only associated with religious faith but is also considered a way to develop self-control, spiritual practice and increase positive energy.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is based on scriptures and is provided for informational purposes only. Stackumbrella does not endorse it.

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