New Delhi
Maha Shivaratri – Sunday, 15 February 2026
Maha Shivaratri 2026 – date and timings by city
| City | Date | Muhurat |
|---|---|---|
| New Delhi | Sun, 15 Feb | 12:09 AM, 16 Feb – 01:01 AM, 16 Feb |
| Mumbai | Sun, 15 Feb | 12:27 AM, 16 Feb – 01:17 AM, 16 Feb |
| Kolkata | Sun, 15 Feb | 11:25 PM – 12:16 AM, 16 Feb |
| Chennai | Sun, 15 Feb | 11:58 PM – 12:47 AM, 16 Feb |
| Bengaluru | Sun, 15 Feb | 12:09 AM, 16 Feb – 12:58 AM, 16 Feb |
| Hyderabad | Sun, 15 Feb | 12:05 AM, 16 Feb – 12:55 AM, 16 Feb |
| Ahmedabad | Sun, 15 Feb | 12:28 AM, 16 Feb – 01:19 AM, 16 Feb |
| Jaipur | Sun, 15 Feb | 12:15 AM, 16 Feb – 01:06 AM, 16 Feb |
| Lucknow | Sun, 15 Feb | 11:55 PM – 12:46 AM, 16 Feb |
| Patna | Sun, 15 Feb | 11:38 PM – 12:29 AM, 16 Feb |
| London | Sun, 15 Feb | 11:46 PM – 12:42 AM, 16 Feb |
| New York | Sun, 15 Feb | 11:43 PM – 12:36 AM, 16 Feb |
About Maha Shivaratri
Maha Shivaratri is the great night of Lord Shiva, on Krishna Chaturdashi of Phalguna (Purnimanta). Devotees fast, offer bel patra, water and milk on the Shivling and stay awake through the night.
The most important puja is done at Nishita Kaal, around midnight, which is why the date depends on the tithi at midnight.
How the date is fixed
It is kept on the night the tithi is present at midnight (Nishita Kaal), when the main puja is done.
Story and meaning of Maha Shivaratri
The Shiva Purana tells of a hunter named Lubdhaka who spent a night in a tree above a Shivling, trying to stay awake because of his fear of wild animals. Without knowing it, he dropped bel leaves on the Shivling and the water from his pot also fell on it. Shiva was pleased with this unintentional worship and gave him liberation. Another belief is that this is the night of the marriage of Shiva and Parvati.
Maha Shivaratri puja vidhi
- Fast during the day and bathe before visiting a Shiva temple.
- Do abhishek on the Shivling with water, milk, curd, honey and ghee in turn.
- Offer bel patra, dhatura, white flowers and ash (bhasma), and light a lamp.
- Chant "Om Namah Shivaya" or the Maha Mrityunjaya mantra through the night, and stay awake in jagran.
- The puja in four prahars of the night is considered best. Break the fast the next morning.
Questions people ask
When is Maha Shivaratri in 2026?
Maha Shivaratri is on Sunday, 15 February 2026 (as per New Delhi).
What is the Maha Shivaratri 2026 muhurat?
In New Delhi the muhurat is 12:09 AM, 16 Feb – 01:01 AM, 16 Feb. Timings shift a little for other cities.
How is the date of Maha Shivaratri decided?
It is kept on the night the tithi is present at midnight (Nishita Kaal), when the main puja is done.
Which time is the main Shivaratri puja?
The Nishita Kaal, around midnight. The table above shows the muhurat for major cities.