Devotees performing night abhishekam ritual to a Shiva Linga during Maha Shivaratri observance

February 6, 2026

Bookraj Monuments

Shivratri 2025: Is Maha Shivaratri 2025 on February 26 or 27?

Shivratri 2025 will be observed on Wednesday, February 26, 2025. The confusion between February 26 and 27 arises because the Nishita Kaal Puja, the midnight worship, falls between 12:09 AM and 12:59 AM on February 27. However, since the Chaturdashi Tithi prevails during the night of February 26, that is the correct 2025 shivaratri date according to the Hindu calendar. For those asking about the shivratri date 2025, the festival is marked on February 26.

Maha Shivaratri 2025 date carries deep spiritual meaning, and the observance is centered around night-long devotion to Lord Shiva.

Maha Shivaratri 2025 Date and Tithi Explained

The 2025 maha shivaratri date is determined by the Krishna Paksha Chaturdashi Tithi. In North India, the festival is observed in the month of Phalgun. In South India, it falls in Magh month during Krishna Paksha.

Despite regional differences in calendar systems, the sacred night remains the same. In 2025, Shivratri will be celebrated on February 26 because the Chaturdashi Tithi is active during that night.

The Nishita Kaal Puja, considered the most auspicious time, is scheduled from 12:09 AM to 12:59 AM on February 27. Even though the puja timing crosses midnight, the main observance belongs to the night of February 26.

In simple terms, raat mahatvapurn hoti hai — the night determines the festival.

Why There Is Confusion About 2025 Shivaratri Date

Hindu Panchang calendar displaying Krishna Paksha Chaturdashi timing used to determine Maha Shivaratri date

Each year, questions arise when festival timings overlap two dates on the Gregorian calendar. The same applies to 2025 shivaratri.

The Hindu Panchang follows lunar cycles. A Tithi does not align neatly with midnight. In 2025, Chaturdashi spans across the late hours of February 26 and continues into early February 27.

Since Shivratri is a night festival, the presence of Chaturdashi during the night of February 26 makes that day the correct observance.

Understanding this removes confusion about whether Maha Shivaratri 2025 date falls on February 26 or 27.

Spiritual Significance of Shivratri 2025

Illuminated statue of Lord Shiva symbolizing spiritual awakening during Maha Shivaratri

Shivratri 2025 symbolizes spiritual awakening and the triumph over darkness and ignorance. The festival is dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of Hinduism’s Supreme Deities.

In Shaivism, it is believed that on this sacred night, Lord Shiva performed the Tandava, a cosmic dance representing creation, preservation, and destruction. This dance reflects the eternal cycle of the universe.

Another widely accepted legend describes the divine union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati on this night. Their union represents balance between masculine and feminine energies, or Shiva-Shakti.

Devotees consider this night ideal for introspection. It is believed that sincere prayers offered on Maha Shivaratri bring clarity and inner strength.

Regional Observance of Maha Shivaratri 2025

Devotees gathered at Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi during Maha Shivaratri night celebrations

The observance of 2025 maha shivaratri date differs slightly in naming conventions across regions, but devotion remains consistent.

  • In North India, it is linked with Phalgun month.
  • In South India, it aligns with Magh Krishna Paksha.
  • In Kashmir Shaivism traditions, the celebration may extend over multiple days.
  • In Tamil Nadu, temples like Chidambaram and Madurai witness elaborate night-long rituals.

Regardless of geography, devotees stay awake throughout the night, chanting “Om Namah Shivaya.”

Key Timings for Shivratri Date 2025

For clarity, here is a structured timing overview:

Maha Shivaratri 2025 Timings

EventDateTime
Chaturdashi Tithi (Krishna Paksha)February 26, 2025Active during night
Nishita Kaal PujaFebruary 27, 202512:09 AM – 12:59 AM
Main Festival DayFebruary 26, 2025Night-long observance

This confirms that the 2025 shivaratri date is February 26.

Rituals Observed on Maha Shivaratri 2025

Shiva Linga decorated with flowers and bael leaves during Maha Shivaratri worship rituals

Rituals during shivratri 2025 follow long-standing traditions.

Devotees typically:

  1. Wake up early and take a ritual bath.
  2. Visit Shiva temples.
  3. Offer water, milk, honey, and bael leaves to the Shiva Linga.
  4. Observe a strict fast during the day.
  5. Stay awake throughout the night in prayer.

Common offerings include:

  • Bhaang
  • Fruits
  • Honey
  • Ghee
  • Sweets
  • Milk

The decoration of the Shiva Linga with flowers and bael leaves is central to the worship.

Fasting and Night Vigil During 2025 Shivratri

Fasting on Shivratri 2025 is considered spiritually purifying. Some devotees observe a complete fast without food and water. Others consume fruits and milk.

Hindu devotees participating in night-long jagran and bhajan singing during Maha Shivaratri

The night vigil, known as Jagran, is equally important. Devotees gather in temples or homes to sing bhajans and chant Shiva mantras.

Spiritual teachers often explain that staying awake symbolizes awareness. The night represents ignorance, and wakefulness represents consciousness.

Symbolism Behind Maha Shivaratri 2025

Maha Shivaratri 2025 is not just a ritual event. It carries symbolic meaning.

  • The darkness of the night represents ignorance.
  • The lamp lit during worship represents knowledge.
  • The Shiva Linga represents infinite cosmic energy.

In philosophical terms, the festival encourages self-discipline and reflection.

A devotee named Rajesh from Varanasi shared last year that observing fast and prayer gave him mental clarity. While personal experiences vary, many describe the night as transformative.

How to Prepare for Shivratri Date 2025

Preparation for shivratri date 2025 begins days in advance.

  • Clean the house and temple space.
  • Arrange puja materials early.
  • Confirm local temple schedules.
  • Plan fasting according to health condition.

Those with medical concerns should consult a doctor before strict fasting.

Balancing devotion with health awareness ensures meaningful observance.

Clarification on Maha Shivaratri 2025 Date

To conclude clearly:

  • Shivratri 2025 will be celebrated on February 26, 2025.
  • Nishita Kaal Puja occurs between 12:09 AM and 12:59 AM on February 27.
  • The presence of Chaturdashi during the night of February 26 determines the festival date.
  • The correct 2025 shivaratri date is February 26.

There is no need for confusion between the two dates. If you are marking your calendar for 2025 maha shivaratri date, choose Wednesday, February 26.

As the sacred night approaches, focus on devotion, discipline, and reflection. Maha Shivaratri 2025 offers an opportunity to reconnect with inner strength and spiritual balance.