Maha Shivratri 2017
Maha Shivratri, "the great night of Shiva", falls on the Chaturdashi of the dark fortnight of Magha (Phalguna in the North Indian calendar). It celebrates Shiva's cosmic dance and his marriage to Parvati.
In 2017, Maha Shivratri is on Friday, 24 February 2017.
- Nishita kaal (midnight puja): 25 Feb 2017, 12:08 AM to 12:59 AM
- Krishna Chaturdashi begins: 24 Feb 2017, 9:38 PM
- Krishna Chaturdashi ends: 25 Feb 2017, 9:20 PM
Date and timings for New Delhi.
How the date is fixed
Maha Shivratri falls on Krishna Chaturdashi of Magha (amanta) / Phalguna (purnimanta). The day is decided by the tithi prevailing at midnight (nishita kaal, the eighth muhurta of the night). When the tithi touches that time on two days, the day it covers more is used.
Calculated for New Delhi. Festival dates can differ by a day between cities and between regional traditions; your family priest's panchang has the final word.
How it is celebrated
Devotees fast through the day and keep vigil at night, offering water, milk, bel leaves and dhatura to the Shiva linga in four prahars of puja; the most important worship is at midnight (nishita kaal). The fast is broken the next morning.
Want a personal reading of your chart? Talk to an experienced astrologer.
Frequently asked questions
When is Maha Shivratri in 2017?
In 2017, Maha Shivratri is on Friday, 24 February 2017. (New Delhi)
Why do calendars sometimes show different dates for Maha Shivratri?
Hindu festivals follow the lunar tithi, which begins and ends at different clock times. Each festival has a rule about which part of the day the tithi must cover — sunrise, midday, dusk or midnight. When the tithi straddles two days, calendars that apply the rule for a different city, or a different tradition, can land on different days. We show the rule we used and the tithi timings so you can check.