Maha Shivaratri

festivals

Quick Overview

Date in 2031: Thursday, February 20, 2031
Tithi: Phalguna Krishna Chaturdashi (Purnimanta)
Tithi begins / ends: 02:45 AM, Feb 20 to 11:55 PM, Feb 20
Lunar month: Phalguna · Krishna Paksha

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2031 Festival Date & Muhurta

Maha Shivaratri

Thursday, February 20, 2031

Lunar Month: Phalguna

Tithi / Muhurta Timings

Tithi Begins:02:45 AM, Feb 20

Tithi Ends:11:55 PM, Feb 20

Maha Shivaratri at a Glance

Maha Shivaratri is fixed by the lunar calendar to Phalguna Krishna Chaturdashi, the 14th tithi of the waning (Krishna) fortnight of Phalguna (Magha Krishna Chaturdashi in the Amanta calendar).

Tithi rule: Phalguna Krishna Chaturdashi (Purnimanta)Krishna Chaturdashi Phalguna month
Tithi swami and group: Shiva · Rikta Tithi

Panchanga on This Day

Maha Shivaratri · Feb 20, 2031

VaaraGuruvara

TithiKrishna Chaturdashi02:45 AM → 11:55 PM

NakshatraShravana10:16 PM → 08:09 PM

YogaVariyana

KaranVishti

Lunar MonthMagha

Brahma Muhurta05:13 AM → 06:04 AM

Abhijit Muhurta12:12 PM → 12:57 PM

Nishita Muhurta12:09 AM → 12:59 AM

Rahu Kaal01:59 PM → 03:24 PM

New Delhi, IndiaFull Dainik Panchang →

About Maha Shivaratri

Maha Shivaratri is the most sacred night of devotion dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Great Lord of Transformation. It marks the divine cosmic dance (Tandava) of Shiva and Shakti, as well as the holy union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.

In Vedic tradition, Shivaratri signifies the victory of spiritual light over worldly darkness. Devotees observe night-long vigils (Jagaran), strict fasting, and offer sacred Bilva (Bael) leaves and Abhishekam onto the Shiva Linga to awaken divine consciousness.

Vrat Vidhi & Fasting Rules

Maha Shivaratri fasting is observed with deep devotion, mental purity, and intense spiritual discipline.

Step-by-Step Fasting Procedures:

One day before Shivaratri (Trayodashi), devotees eat only one satvik meal during the daytime.
On Shivaratri morning, devotees take an early bath and recite the Sankalp (pledge) to observe a full-day and full-night fast.
Shiva Puja is performed during the night, either during Nishita Kaal or four times across the four Prahar (watch) windows.
The fast is broken the following day (Parana) after taking a morning bath, between sunrise and the end of Chaturdashi Tithi.

Maha Shivaratri: Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which tithi is Maha Shivaratri observed on?

Phalguna Krishna Chaturdashi (Magha Krishna Chaturdashi in the Amanta calendar); its swami is Shiva, a Rikta Tithi.

Q: When does the Maha Shivaratri tithi begin and end in 2031?

Krishna Chaturdashi: 02:45 AM, Thu, Feb 20, 2031 to 11:55 PM, Thu, Feb 20, 2031 (IST).

Q: Why is Shiva Puja performed during Nishita Kaal?

Nishita Kaal is the midnight time window when Lord Shiva manifested on Earth in the infinite cosmic form of Lingodbhava. Performing Puja during this time brings supreme spiritual peace.