{"id":6415,"date":"2021-03-10T09:30:28","date_gmt":"2021-03-10T09:30:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tusktravel.com\/blog\/?p=6415"},"modified":"2025-06-04T14:05:13","modified_gmt":"2025-06-04T14:05:13","slug":"celebration-of-maha-shivratri-in-india","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tusktravel.com\/blog\/celebration-of-maha-shivratri-in-india\/","title":{"rendered":"Maha Shivratri 2026: Date, Puja, Story, Celebrations &#038; More"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>India is a land of many religious and cultural festivals. Also, you will find diversities in these festivals in different regions of India. Yet, some festivals hold the same value throughout the country. <strong>Maha Shivratri<\/strong> is one of them. It is one of the most famous festivals in India. Also, it has great significance in the lives of Indian people. Find below all the details about the Maha Shivratri celebration in India.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 ez-toc-wrap-left counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tusktravel.com\/blog\/celebration-of-maha-shivratri-in-india\/#what-is-maha-shivratri\" >What is Maha Shivratri?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tusktravel.com\/blog\/celebration-of-maha-shivratri-in-india\/#what-is-the-story-of-the-maha-shivratri\" >What is the story of the Maha Shivratri?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tusktravel.com\/blog\/celebration-of-maha-shivratri-in-india\/#the-maha-shivratri-celebration-in-india-2026\" >The Maha Shivratri Celebration in India 2026<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tusktravel.com\/blog\/celebration-of-maha-shivratri-in-india\/#when-is-the-maha-shivratri-of-2026\" >When is the Maha Shivratri of 2026?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"what-is-maha-shivratri\"><\/span><strong>What is Maha Shivratri?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-6427\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tusktravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/story_murudeshwar-flickr-sam-valadi_647_030716124451.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.tusktravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/story_murudeshwar-flickr-sam-valadi_647_030716124451.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.tusktravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/story_murudeshwar-flickr-sam-valadi_647_030716124451-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.tusktravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/story_murudeshwar-flickr-sam-valadi_647_030716124451-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.tusktravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/story_murudeshwar-flickr-sam-valadi_647_030716124451-20x13.jpg 20w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The Maha Shivratri is a grand festival in India. It falls in the Indian month <strong>Phalgun<\/strong>. Shivaratri&#8217;s date may fall in <strong>February or March<\/strong>. The people of India celebrate this one-day festival to worship Lord Shiva. So, temples of Lord Shiva attract many pilgrims during The Maha Shivratri celebration in India. Shivratri Bhajan, fasting, and Shivratri Puja mark the day.<\/p>\n<p>Besides the <strong>Maha Shivratri,<\/strong> there is another Shivratri known as Shravana Shivratri that falls in the rainy season. But, the rituals of Maha Shivratri differ from any other pujas of Lord Shiva. Moreover, the Hindus of most of the states in India celebrate Maha Shivratri. So, this festival holds more traditional values than many other festivals in India.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"what-is-the-story-of-the-maha-shivratri\"><\/span><strong>What is the story of the Maha Shivratri?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-6425\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tusktravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/shivling.jpeg\" alt=\"shivling\" width=\"800\" height=\"449\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.tusktravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/shivling.jpeg 800w, https:\/\/www.tusktravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/shivling-300x168.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.tusktravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/shivling-768x431.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.tusktravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/shivling-20x11.jpeg 20w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Indian mythologies tell many stories about the Maha Shivratri celebration. Most Hindus believe that <strong>Lord Shiva got married to Goddess Parvati<\/strong> on this day. Yet, there are many other stories related to Shivratri. As per one story, the great sage once cursed Lord Indra and other gods.<\/p>\n<p>So, all the other gods including Indra lost their powers. Then Lord Vishnu suggested they go for Samudra Manthan or churning of the oceans. During this Samudra Manthan, a threatening poison emerged. This poison was so powerful that it could demolish the whole world. So, Lord Shiva drank this poison and saved the world.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Learn More: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tusktravel.com\/blog\/popular-temple-in-pondicherry\/\">Popular Temple In Pondicherry<\/a><\/p>\n<p>His throat turned blue after drinking this poison. So, he is also known as Neelkantha (someone with a blue throat). Shivratri celebration occurs to celebrate this event.<\/p>\n<p>Another story talks about the tough competition between <em><strong>Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu<\/strong><\/em>. Both started fighting claiming one was superior to the other. Lord Shiva wanted to teach them a lesson. So, he took a form of a massive fire column and covered the universe.<\/p>\n<p>Both Brahma and Vishnu wanted to prove how powerful they were. So, both of them wanted to find the end of the fire column. For this, Brahma took the form of a swan and <strong>Vishnu of a Varaha<\/strong> (human body with a boar\u2019s face). But, it was very difficult to find the end of the fire column. On his way, Brahma found a Ketaki flower.<\/p>\n<p>When he enquired where the flower had come from, she replied that she was from the top of the fiery column. This made Brahma make a plan for showing his supremacy to the world. He planned to take the flower as a witness to show that he had reached the top of the fire column.<\/p>\n<p>His dishonesty made Lord Shiva angry. So, he took his real form and cursed Brahma that he would never be worshipped by anyone. Also, he banned the Ketaki flower from being used for any Pujas. On this day Shiva took the form of Shiva Linga. Thus, people celebrate Maha Shivaratri on this day in the Indian month of Phalguna every year. People believe that Lord Shiva showers happiness and blessings on everyone on this auspicious day.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Learn More<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tusktravel.com\/blog\/facts-about-golden-temple-amritsar\/\">Top 10 Facts About Golden Temple Amritsar<\/a><\/p>\n<p>There is also another story behind the Shivratri Puja being performed the whole night on the <strong>Maha Shivratri<\/strong>. Once, a poor man went to the forest to cut wood. But he lost his way in the forest. He was so scared of the wild animals, he climbed up a tree. He decided to be alert the whole night so that he did not fall from the tree.<\/p>\n<p>This man was a great <strong>devotee of Lord Shiva<\/strong>. So, he plucked one leaf from the tree and dropped it down chanting the god\u2019s name <strong>\u201cShiva\u201d.<\/strong> When he woke up in the <strong>morning<\/strong>, he found a <strong>Shiva Linga<\/strong> below the tree. It was the Linga on which he had dropped a thousand leaves the whole night unknowingly.<\/p>\n<p><strong>This tree was a Bel Tree (wood apple).<\/strong> This gesture of the poor man pleased Lord Shiva. Hence, people worship Lord Shiva the whole night on the MahaShivratri. Moreover, the devotees who keep a fast during the Shivratri celebration read this story on this day.<\/p>\n<div class=\"trending\">\n<div class=\"trending-title\"><strong>Suggested Packages for the India Tour:<\/strong><\/div>\n<ul class=\"list-tag\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tusktravel.com\/india\/tour-packages\/15-days-north-india-tour-itinerary.html\">15 Days North India Travel Itinerary<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tusktravel.com\/india\/tour-packages\/14-days-rajasthan-cultural-tour-itinerary.html\">Rajasthan Tour 13 Days 14 Days<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tusktravel.com\/india\/tour-packages\/10-days-south-india-tours-itinerary.html\">10 Days South India Tour Package<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tusktravel.com\/india\/tour-packages\/10-days-kerala-tour-itinerary.html\">Kerala Itinerary for 10 Days<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tusktravel.com\/india\/tour-packages\/12-days-buddhist-itinerary-india-nepal.html\">12 Days India Nepal Buddhist Trip<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tusktravel.com\/india\/tour-packages\/\">Click More Itineraries for India<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"the-maha-shivratri-celebration-in-india-2026\"><\/span><strong>The Maha Shivratri Celebration in India 2026<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-6426\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tusktravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/shivling-images-clebration.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.tusktravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/shivling-images-clebration.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.tusktravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/shivling-images-clebration-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.tusktravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/shivling-images-clebration-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.tusktravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/shivling-images-clebration-20x13.jpg 20w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Shivratri Celebration has great significance in the lives of the Hindus. They consider this day to be one of the purest days of the year. Also, they perform many rituals on this special day of Shivratri.<\/p>\n<p>Men and women keep a fast the whole day. Young girls try fast to get a husband like Shiva. Married women keep fast for the well-being of their husbands and children.<strong> They pour water and milk on Shiva Linga at night. Also, they offer flowers and sweets to the Linga.<\/strong> So, you can witness giant crowds at all the temples of Shiva in India on The Maha Shivaratri.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Learn More: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tusktravel.com\/blog\/buddha-temple-bodh-gaya-bihar\/\">Buddha Temple, Bodh Gaya Bihar\u00a0 Travel Guide<\/a><\/p>\n<p>The festival occurs during the period of the waning moon. The only moon one can see is the crescent moon on Lord Shiva\u2019s head. It is also a sign that the moon will rise the next night. Many temples or local clubs organize special cultural events for this festival. <strong>Also, you can hear Shivratri Bhajans throughout the night in temples and other holy places.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>People from different regions in India celebrate the festival with great enthusiasm. People in Madhya Pradesh take a holy dip in Shiv Sagar Tank near <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tusktravel.com\/blog\/facts-about-khajuraho-temple\/\">Khajuraho<\/a><\/strong>. <strong>Also, the Maha Shivratri celebration continues for 10 days at Matangeshwar Temple in Bundelkhand of this state.<\/strong> Besides, people in <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tusktravel.com\/india\/west-bengal-tours\/\">West Bengal<\/a><\/strong> have a tradition of making 4 Lingas and worshipping them at four different times throughout the night. They bathe the Linga with milk, curd, ghee, and honey.<\/p>\n<p>Also, at Aluva Shiva <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tusktravel.com\/blog\/top-most-famous-temples-of-kerala\/\">Temple in Kerala<\/a><\/strong>, you can witness Shiva Lingarising out of the sand. Many pilgrims gather here to worship the Linga.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Learn More: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tusktravel.com\/blog\/list-of-religious-places-and-temples-in-uttarakhand\/\">List of Religious Places and Temples in Uttarakhand<\/a><\/p>\n<p>There is special Shivratri food. The people keeping a fast on this day avoid eating rice or wheat on this day. So, they eat Shabudana Kheer, Pakodas, fruits, and sweets on this day. Besides, Shiva Linga marks the fertility of the land. Thus, the day after the Shivaratri celebration marks the beginning of the spring season.<\/p>\n<p>So, you can see various flowers blooming from the next day onwards. All in all, The Maha Shivratri brings fresh energy to the earth.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Learn More: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tusktravel.com\/blog\/facts-about-nalanda-university-bihar\/\">Top 10 Facts about Nalanda University, Bihar<\/a><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"when-is-the-maha-shivratri-of-2026\"><\/span><strong>When is the Maha Shivratri of 2026?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><strong>The Maha Shivratri Date: <\/strong>The Maha Shivratri in 2026 is on the <strong>15th of February<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>FAQ Maha Shivratri 2026<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"93\" data-end=\"152\"><strong>1. What should we not eat during The Maha Shivratri?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"153\" data-end=\"281\">We should avoid eating any dishes of rice and wheat. Also, we should not take common salt during the Maha Shivratri celebration.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"283\" data-end=\"336\"><strong data-start=\"287\" data-end=\"334\">2. Is The Maha Shivratri a government holiday?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"337\" data-end=\"458\">The Maha Shivratri is a public holiday in most of the states. Most of the schools and colleges remain closed on this day.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"460\" data-end=\"507\"><strong data-start=\"464\" data-end=\"505\">3. What are the main festivals in India?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"508\" data-end=\"625\">The main festivals of India are Diwali, Holi, Dusshera, The Maha Shivratri, Makar Sankranti, Eid, and Christmas, etc.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"627\" data-end=\"686\"><strong data-start=\"631\" data-end=\"684\">4. Which flower should not be offered to Lord Shiva?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"687\" data-end=\"750\">You should not offer Champaka and Ketaki flowers to Lord Shiva.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Read more other articles to celebrate the festivals in India:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tusktravel.com\/blog\/popular-festivals-and-events-in-december-in-india\/\">Popular Festivals and Events in December in India<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tusktravel.com\/blog\/best-music-festivals-in-india\/\">Best Music Festivals in India<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tusktravel.com\/blog\/famous-buddhist-festivals-celebrated-in-india\/\">Famous Buddhist Festivals Celebrated in India<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tusktravel.com\/blog\/famous-tourism-festivals-in-india\/\">10 Famous Tourism Festivals in India<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tusktravel.com\/blog\/famous-festivals-in-june-in-india\/\">10 Famous Festivals in June in India<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tusktravel.com\/blog\/famous-festivals-july-in-india\/\">10 Famous Festivals in July in India<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tusktravel.com\/blog\/top-festivals-of-west-bengal\/\">Top 10 Festivals of West Bengal<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tusktravel.com\/blog\/festivals-in-september-in-india\/\">Top 10 Festivals in September in India<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tusktravel.com\/blog\/famous-festivals-august-in-india\/\">Famous Festivals in August in India<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tusktravel.com\/blog\/baisakhi-celebration-in-punjab-festival-guide\/\">Baisakhi Celebration in Punjab<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tusktravel.com\/blog\/happy-national-tourism-day-history-purpose-celebration-in-india\/\">Happy National Tourism Day<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tusktravel.com\/blog\/kumbh-mela-india-festival-quick-guide\/\">Kumbh Mela Haridwar 2024 Festival Dates<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tusktravel.com\/blog\/pongal-festival-harvest-celebrations-south-india\/\">Pongal Festival 2025 \u2013 Why Celebrated, 4 Days Celebration Date?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tusktravel.com\/blog\/goa-carnival-festival-dates-celebrations-dance\/\">Goa Carnival 2025 -The Festival Dates, Celebrations, Dance<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tusktravel.com\/blog\/sunburn-festival-goa-dates-ticket-attraction-music-dance\/\">Sunburn Festival 2025 \u2013 Dates, Tickets, Attraction Music &amp; Dance<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tusktravel.com\/blog\/kala-ghoda-arts-festival-mumbai\/\">Kala Ghoda Arts Festival 2026 \u2013 Date, Timing, Venue All Details<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tusktravel.com\/blog\/vasant-panchami-saraswati-puja-why-celebrate\/\">Vasant Panchami Saraswati Puja Date 2026<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tusktravel.com\/blog\/onam-festival-kerala-date-traditions-activities-story-and-how-celebrate\/\">Onam Festival Kerala 2024: Date, Traditions, Activities, Story, and How to Celebrate?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tusktravel.com\/blog\/what-is-lathmar-holi-why-how-is-it-celebrated\/\">What is Lathmar Holi? Date, Why, and how is it celebrated?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tusktravel.com\/blog\/what-is-holi-color-festival-in-india\/\">Holi Festival in India 2025<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tusktravel.com\/blog\/losar-festival-guide-india\/\">Losar Festival 2025: Date, History, Celebrations &amp; Attractions<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>India is a land of many religious and cultural festivals. Also, you will find diversities in these festivals in different regions [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":10760,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"default","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"default","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[18,9,157],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-6415","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-festivals","category-india","category-pilgrimage"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Maha Shivratri 2026: Date, Puja, &amp; Celebrations<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Experience the grandeur of Maha Shivratri in India. Learn about the worship of Lord Shiva, fasting, and the festive atmosphere surrounding this auspicious occasion.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tusktravel.com\/blog\/celebration-of-maha-shivratri-in-india\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Maha Shivratri 2026: Date, Puja, &amp; Celebrations\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Experience the grandeur of Maha Shivratri in India. Learn about the worship of Lord Shiva, fasting, and the festive atmosphere surrounding this auspicious occasion.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.tusktravel.com\/blog\/celebration-of-maha-shivratri-in-india\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Tusk Travel Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/tusktravel\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2021-03-10T09:30:28+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-06-04T14:05:13+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.tusktravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Maha-Shivratri.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"800\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"599\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Paromita Roy\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@tusktravel\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@tusktravel\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Paromita Roy\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"8 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.tusktravel.com\\\/blog\\\/celebration-of-maha-shivratri-in-india\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.tusktravel.com\\\/blog\\\/celebration-of-maha-shivratri-in-india\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Paromita Roy\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.tusktravel.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/8c98f92534d8a5429bc0efb50784913c\"},\"headline\":\"Maha Shivratri 2026: Date, Puja, Story, Celebrations &#038; More\",\"datePublished\":\"2021-03-10T09:30:28+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-06-04T14:05:13+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.tusktravel.com\\\/blog\\\/celebration-of-maha-shivratri-in-india\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":1451,\"commentCount\":2,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.tusktravel.com\\\/blog\\\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.tusktravel.com\\\/blog\\\/celebration-of-maha-shivratri-in-india\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.tusktravel.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2021\\\/01\\\/Maha-Shivratri.jpg\",\"articleSection\":[\"Festivals\",\"India\",\"Pilgrimage\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.tusktravel.com\\\/blog\\\/celebration-of-maha-shivratri-in-india\\\/#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.tusktravel.com\\\/blog\\\/celebration-of-maha-shivratri-in-india\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.tusktravel.com\\\/blog\\\/celebration-of-maha-shivratri-in-india\\\/\",\"name\":\"Maha Shivratri 2026: Date, Puja, & Celebrations\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.tusktravel.com\\\/blog\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.tusktravel.com\\\/blog\\\/celebration-of-maha-shivratri-in-india\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.tusktravel.com\\\/blog\\\/celebration-of-maha-shivratri-in-india\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.tusktravel.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2021\\\/01\\\/Maha-Shivratri.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2021-03-10T09:30:28+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-06-04T14:05:13+00:00\",\"description\":\"Experience the grandeur of Maha Shivratri in India. Learn about the worship of Lord Shiva, fasting, and the festive atmosphere surrounding this auspicious occasion.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.tusktravel.com\\\/blog\\\/celebration-of-maha-shivratri-in-india\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.tusktravel.com\\\/blog\\\/celebration-of-maha-shivratri-in-india\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.tusktravel.com\\\/blog\\\/celebration-of-maha-shivratri-in-india\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.tusktravel.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2021\\\/01\\\/Maha-Shivratri.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.tusktravel.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2021\\\/01\\\/Maha-Shivratri.jpg\",\"width\":800,\"height\":599},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.tusktravel.com\\\/blog\\\/celebration-of-maha-shivratri-in-india\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.tusktravel.com\\\/blog\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Maha Shivratri 2026: Date, Puja, Story, Celebrations &#038; More\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.tusktravel.com\\\/blog\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.tusktravel.com\\\/blog\\\/\",\"name\":\"Blog - Tusk Travel\",\"description\":\"\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.tusktravel.com\\\/blog\\\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.tusktravel.com\\\/blog\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.tusktravel.com\\\/blog\\\/#organization\",\"name\":\"Tusk Travel Private Limited\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.tusktravel.com\\\/blog\\\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.tusktravel.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/i0.wp.com\\\/www.tusktravel.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/02\\\/WhatsApp-Image-2023-02-20-at-13.14.14.jpeg?fit=960%2C960&ssl=1\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/i0.wp.com\\\/www.tusktravel.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/02\\\/WhatsApp-Image-2023-02-20-at-13.14.14.jpeg?fit=960%2C960&ssl=1\",\"width\":960,\"height\":960,\"caption\":\"Tusk Travel Private Limited\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.tusktravel.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.facebook.com\\\/tusktravel\\\/\",\"https:\\\/\\\/x.com\\\/tusktravel\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.instagram.com\\\/tusktravel\\\/\"]},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.tusktravel.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/8c98f92534d8a5429bc0efb50784913c\",\"name\":\"Paromita Roy\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/afb0e9243f8716fd7d6752f16f1555f7ca8e7428c59a381e0da373ecbff7854f?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/afb0e9243f8716fd7d6752f16f1555f7ca8e7428c59a381e0da373ecbff7854f?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/afb0e9243f8716fd7d6752f16f1555f7ca8e7428c59a381e0da373ecbff7854f?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"Paromita Roy\"},\"description\":\"I have been a regular writer at Tusk Travel. My favorite word is \\\"Opportunity \\\". I strongly believe in optimism and miracles. I have a keen interest in knowing about places and people. I love writing about travel, beauty care, self-help, parenting, career and much more interesting stuff around the world. I have previously worked as a Training Manager. My passion for writing has made me a full-time writer today. However, that does not stop me from taking care of my son's lessons. I am a big-time Foodie. I love spending time with my family. I am also fond of reading books, dancing, singing my own song, workout, and movies.\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.tusktravel.com\\\/blog\\\/author\\\/paromita\\\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Maha Shivratri 2026: Date, Puja, & Celebrations","description":"Experience the grandeur of Maha Shivratri in India. Learn about the worship of Lord Shiva, fasting, and the festive atmosphere surrounding this auspicious occasion.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.tusktravel.com\/blog\/celebration-of-maha-shivratri-in-india\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Maha Shivratri 2026: Date, Puja, & Celebrations","og_description":"Experience the grandeur of Maha Shivratri in India. Learn about the worship of Lord Shiva, fasting, and the festive atmosphere surrounding this auspicious occasion.","og_url":"https:\/\/www.tusktravel.com\/blog\/celebration-of-maha-shivratri-in-india\/","og_site_name":"Tusk Travel Blog","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/tusktravel\/","article_published_time":"2021-03-10T09:30:28+00:00","article_modified_time":"2025-06-04T14:05:13+00:00","og_image":[{"width":800,"height":599,"url":"https:\/\/www.tusktravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Maha-Shivratri.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"Paromita Roy","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@tusktravel","twitter_site":"@tusktravel","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Paromita Roy","Est. reading time":"8 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/www.tusktravel.com\/blog\/celebration-of-maha-shivratri-in-india\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.tusktravel.com\/blog\/celebration-of-maha-shivratri-in-india\/"},"author":{"name":"Paromita Roy","@id":"https:\/\/www.tusktravel.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/8c98f92534d8a5429bc0efb50784913c"},"headline":"Maha Shivratri 2026: Date, Puja, Story, Celebrations &#038; More","datePublished":"2021-03-10T09:30:28+00:00","dateModified":"2025-06-04T14:05:13+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.tusktravel.com\/blog\/celebration-of-maha-shivratri-in-india\/"},"wordCount":1451,"commentCount":2,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.tusktravel.com\/blog\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.tusktravel.com\/blog\/celebration-of-maha-shivratri-in-india\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.tusktravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Maha-Shivratri.jpg","articleSection":["Festivals","India","Pilgrimage"],"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"CommentAction","name":"Comment","target":["https:\/\/www.tusktravel.com\/blog\/celebration-of-maha-shivratri-in-india\/#respond"]}]},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.tusktravel.com\/blog\/celebration-of-maha-shivratri-in-india\/","url":"https:\/\/www.tusktravel.com\/blog\/celebration-of-maha-shivratri-in-india\/","name":"Maha Shivratri 2026: Date, Puja, & Celebrations","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.tusktravel.com\/blog\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.tusktravel.com\/blog\/celebration-of-maha-shivratri-in-india\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.tusktravel.com\/blog\/celebration-of-maha-shivratri-in-india\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.tusktravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Maha-Shivratri.jpg","datePublished":"2021-03-10T09:30:28+00:00","dateModified":"2025-06-04T14:05:13+00:00","description":"Experience the grandeur of Maha Shivratri in India. Learn about the worship of Lord Shiva, fasting, and the festive atmosphere surrounding this auspicious occasion.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.tusktravel.com\/blog\/celebration-of-maha-shivratri-in-india\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.tusktravel.com\/blog\/celebration-of-maha-shivratri-in-india\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.tusktravel.com\/blog\/celebration-of-maha-shivratri-in-india\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/www.tusktravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Maha-Shivratri.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.tusktravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Maha-Shivratri.jpg","width":800,"height":599},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.tusktravel.com\/blog\/celebration-of-maha-shivratri-in-india\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.tusktravel.com\/blog\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Maha Shivratri 2026: Date, Puja, Story, Celebrations &#038; More"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.tusktravel.com\/blog\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.tusktravel.com\/blog\/","name":"Blog - Tusk Travel","description":"","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.tusktravel.com\/blog\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.tusktravel.com\/blog\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.tusktravel.com\/blog\/#organization","name":"Tusk Travel Private Limited","url":"https:\/\/www.tusktravel.com\/blog\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.tusktravel.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.tusktravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/WhatsApp-Image-2023-02-20-at-13.14.14.jpeg?fit=960%2C960&ssl=1","contentUrl":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.tusktravel.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/WhatsApp-Image-2023-02-20-at-13.14.14.jpeg?fit=960%2C960&ssl=1","width":960,"height":960,"caption":"Tusk Travel Private Limited"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.tusktravel.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/tusktravel\/","https:\/\/x.com\/tusktravel","https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/tusktravel\/"]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.tusktravel.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/8c98f92534d8a5429bc0efb50784913c","name":"Paromita Roy","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/afb0e9243f8716fd7d6752f16f1555f7ca8e7428c59a381e0da373ecbff7854f?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/afb0e9243f8716fd7d6752f16f1555f7ca8e7428c59a381e0da373ecbff7854f?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/afb0e9243f8716fd7d6752f16f1555f7ca8e7428c59a381e0da373ecbff7854f?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"Paromita Roy"},"description":"I have been a regular writer at Tusk Travel. My favorite word is \"Opportunity \". I strongly believe in optimism and miracles. I have a keen interest in knowing about places and people. I love writing about travel, beauty care, self-help, parenting, career and much more interesting stuff around the world. I have previously worked as a Training Manager. My passion for writing has made me a full-time writer today. However, that does not stop me from taking care of my son's lessons. I am a big-time Foodie. I love spending time with my family. I am also fond of reading books, dancing, singing my own song, workout, and movies.","url":"https:\/\/www.tusktravel.com\/blog\/author\/paromita\/"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tusktravel.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6415","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tusktravel.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tusktravel.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tusktravel.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tusktravel.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6415"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.tusktravel.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6415\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tusktravel.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/10760"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tusktravel.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6415"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tusktravel.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6415"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tusktravel.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6415"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}