Mahashivratri 2026 – Is it Feb 15 or 16? Check Shubh Muhurat, Puja Timings & What to Avoid

Mahashivratri 2026 Celebration Guide: The sacred festival Mahashivratri exists to honor Lord Shiva. Indian devotees will observe this holy night through fasting, prayer, and sincere devotion to the sacred day. The day marks the holy marriage between Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati according to Hindu tradition.

The time period serves as a crucial moment that enables people to develop their spiritual practice while managing their daily responsibilities. People who observe Mahashivratri through fasting need to avoid all food to achieve mental cleanliness through cleansing.

Fasting Rules

Mahashivratri devotees create their fasting rules according to their individual fasting abilities. The fast’s followers practice Nirjala fasting, which prohibits them from eating or drinking anything during the whole day and night. The followers of the fruit-based fast consume milk, curd, fruits, and dry fruits during their fasting period. Devotees prepare basic vrat meals that contain no grains, onions, or garlic.

People who fast during this time use sabudana, kuttu flour, and singhara flour as their main ingredients. The practice of fasting helps people achieve their goals by devoting themselves entirely to Lord Shiva throughout the day.

What To Do

Hindu devotees begin their day by waking early. They start their day by taking a bath and then they clean their homes and the puja area. The Shivling requires devotees to bring water, milk, bel leaves, fruits, and flowers as offerings throughout this ceremony. The practice of chanting Om Namah Shivaya alongside Shiva mantras creates an atmosphere of peace that fosters positive spiritual energy.

People visit Shiva temples, while others conduct puja at home. The practice of staying awake through the night while performing bhajans or meditation is vital to Mahashivratri celebrations. The night vigil known as Jagran fosters a state of heightened spiritual consciousness.

What To Avoid

Fasting requires people to avoid certain items during this period. Devotees should not consume non-vegetarian food, alcohol, or tobacco. People who observe fasting at this time of year should not eat rice or wheat, as these are considered forbidden.

During the fasting period, some people are advised to avoid eating onions and garlic because they are not allowed. Fasting requires people to avoid negative mental states and conflict, and all forms of food restrictions. The fast requires people to maintain their peace and speak respectfully throughout its duration.

Breaking The Fast

The fast ends the following day after people complete their final prayers. The devotees first worship Lord Shiva before they eat their simple sattvik food. After breaking the fast, people should not consume excessive food. The observance of the vrat becomes meaningful through its ending, which requires people to express gratitude and maintain positive thoughts.

On Mahashivratri 202, 6 people can establish a sacred bond with Lord Shiva through their spiritual beliefs. The devotees can experience spiritual peace through proper observance of the fasting rules, self-discipline, and mental purity during their religious activities at this holy festival.