Festival
Maha Shivaratri
మహా శివరాత్రి
📅 February 26, 2026 (Thursday)
Maha Shivaratri — the Great Night of Shiva — is the most sacred night for Shaiva devotees, falling on the 14th night of Krishna Paksha in Phalguna month. It celebrates the night when Lord Shiva drank the Halahala poison to save the cosmos, and the night of Shiva-Parvati's divine union.
Significance
Maha Shivaratri is one of the most important observances in Sanatana Dharma. Staying awake the entire night (Jaagaran) and performing four Yamas of puja (one each quarter of the night) is considered highly auspicious. It is believed that sincere worship on this night grants moksha (liberation).
Panchangam details for Thursday, February 26, 2026:
🔭 Source: Prokerala API · Hyderabad (IST)Telugu Year
Season
Sisira Rutuvu (శిశిర ఋతువు) - Late Winter
Month
Phalguna Maasam (ఫాల్గుణ మాసం)
Paksha
Krishna Paksha (కృష్ణ పక్షం)
Tithi
Chaturdashi (చతుర్దశి) — 14th night
Tithi Start Time
1:00 AM IST (Feb 26) — ends 11:08 PM IST (Feb 26)
Nakshatra ⭐
Shatabhisha (శతభిష) till 10:44 PM, then Purva Bhadrapada (పూర్వ భాద్రపద)
Yoga 🧘
Siddha (సిద్ధ)
Karana 🌓
Vishti/Bhadra (విష్టి/భద్ర) till 11:30 AM
Sunrise 🌅
6:34 AM IST
Sunset 🌇
6:20 PM IST
Brahma Muhurtham
4:57 AM – 5:45 AM IST
Amrutha Gadhiyalu
Durmuhurtham
Traditions & Practices
Fasting (Upavasa) throughout the day and night
Four-time Rudrabhishekam — performing Shiva puja in all four quarters of the night
Offerings of Bilva (Bel) leaves, milk, honey, curd, Gangajal on the Shivalingam
Chanting of Om Namah Shivaya and Maha Mrityunjaya mantra
Staying awake all night (Jaagaran) — seen as austerity and devotion
Visiting Shiva temples — especially Jyotirlingas
Listening to Shiva Purana kathas and Mahimna Stotram
Maha Shivaratri Subhakankshalu! Om Namah Shivaya!
Wishing you and your family a blessed Maha Shivaratri!