Maha Shivratri is one of the most celebrated auspicious Hindu festivals. On this day devotees of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati offer prayers, perform special puja rituals, and hold fast to seek blessings. It is observed that Maha Shivratri usually falls in the month of Phalguna on the 14th day of the dark fortnight, and generally occurs between late February and early March.
This year devotees are in confusion—will Maha Shivratri 2025 be celebrated on February 26 or 27? The uncertainty over the exact date has left many seeking clarity. To know the exact date and puja Muhurat according to Drik Panchang for Maha Shivratri 2025, continue reading below-
Maha Shivratri 2025: Puja Date and Timing
This year Maha Shivratri will be celebrated on Wednesday, 26 February 2025, as per Drik Panchang. Whereas the Nishita Kaal Puja timing will start from 12.09 am on 26th February to 12.59 am on 27th February. So, the devotees can perform the puja ritual in accordance with the above-given timing.
Devotee can open their fast on the 27th, Shivaratri Parana timings will start from 06:48 am to 08:54 am on the 27th of February.
Maha Shivratri 2025: Shubh Puja Muhurat
Offering prayers and performing puja rituals onthe right muhurat is very important in Hindu rituals. Let’s find out the right puja muhurat of Maha Shivratri :
- Ratri First Prahar Puja Time - 06:19 pm to 09:26 pm.
- Ratri Second Prahar Puja Time - 09:26 pm to 12:34 am (February 27).
- Ratri Third Prahar Puja Time - 12:34 am to 03:41 am (February 27).
- Ratri Fourth Prahar Puja Time - 03:41 am to 06:48 am (February 27).
- Chaturdashi Tithi Begins - 11:08 am (February 26).
- Chaturdashi Tithi Ends - 08:54 am (February 27).
Maha Shivratri 2025: Vrat Vidhi
The day before Maha Shivratri, usually on Trayodashi, devotees should eat only once. On the day of Shivratri, after completing their morning rituals, they take a vow (Sankalp) to observe a full-day fast and break it the next day. This Sankalp is a commitment to complete the fast with dedication, seeking Lord Shiva’s blessings for strength and determination.
Hindu fasts are strict, so before starting, devotees mentally prepare themselves and pray for a smooth fasting experience.
On the evening of Maha Shivratri, before performing Shiva Puja or visiting the Lord Shiva temple, devotees take a second bath. The puja is done at night, and the fast is broken the next morning of Shivratri after bathing. Ideally, the fast should be broken between sunrise and before the Chaturdashi Tithi ends to gain full spiritual benefits. Though, some believe the fast should end only after Chaturdashi is over, most devotees follow the tradition of completing both Shiva Puja and Parana (breaking the fast) within the Chaturdashi period.