Maha Shivaratri 2026: date and puja muhurat
Maha Shivaratri is on Sunday, 15 February, 2026. In Kolkata, the midnight (nishita kaal) window is 11:25 pm to 12:15 am (night of 15 Feb). Krishna Chaturdashi runs from 5:04 pm, 15 Feb to 5:32 pm, 16 Feb.
About Maha Shivaratri
Maha Shivaratri is the great night of Lord Shiva, on Krishna Chaturdashi of the month Magha in the amanta calendar (Phalguna in the purnimanta calendar). Devotees fast, offer bilva leaves and abhishekam to the Shiva Linga, and stay awake through the night in prayer.
How the timing is decided
The main worship is at midnight (nishita kaal) while Chaturdashi prevails. Many temples hold four prahara pujas through the night.
What to do
- Fast through the day
- Offer water, milk and bilva leaves to the Shiva Linga
- Chant Om Namah Shivaya and keep vigil (jagaran)
Maha Shivaratri 2026 muhurat by city
Krishna Chaturdashi runs from 5:04 pm, 15 Feb to 5:32 pm, 16 Feb (Indian Standard Time).
| City | Date | Puja window | Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hyderabad | 15 Feb | 12:05 am to 12:54 am (night of 15 Feb) | 6:17 pm |
| Delhi | 15 Feb | 12:09 am to 1:00 am (night of 15 Feb) | 6:11 pm |
| Mumbai | 15 Feb | 12:27 am to 1:17 am (night of 15 Feb) | 6:38 pm |
| Chennai | 15 Feb | 11:58 pm to 12:47 am (night of 15 Feb) | 6:14 pm |
| Bengaluru | 15 Feb | 12:09 am to 12:58 am (night of 15 Feb) | 6:25 pm |
| Kolkata | 15 Feb | 11:25 pm to 12:15 am (night of 15 Feb) | 5:33 pm |
| Vijayawada | 15 Feb | 11:56 pm to 12:46 am (night of 15 Feb) | 6:09 pm |
| Visakhapatnam | 15 Feb | 11:46 pm to 12:35 am (night of 15 Feb) | 5:58 pm |
| Pune | 15 Feb | 12:23 am to 1:13 am (night of 15 Feb) | 6:35 pm |
| Ahmedabad | 15 Feb | 12:28 am to 1:18 am (night of 15 Feb) | 6:35 pm |
| Jaipur | 15 Feb | 12:15 am to 1:06 am (night of 15 Feb) | 6:18 pm |
| Lucknow | 15 Feb | 11:54 pm to 12:45 am (night of 15 Feb) | 5:58 pm |
Windows follow the traditional rule for this festival and the tithi timing for each city. Tithi times are approximate, usually within about 30 minutes, so for a vrata or homam confirm the exact muhurat with your purohit.
Also on Sunday, 15 February in Kolkata
- Rahu Kalam4:07 pm to 5:33 pm
- Sunrise and sunset6:08 am and 5:33 pm
- Moonrise and moonsetMoonrise 4:36 am, moonset 3:34 pm
- Tithi at sunriseKrishna Trayodashi
- NakshatraUttara Ashadha
Maha Shivaratri 2026 Choghadiya in Kolkata
Many families, especially in Gujarat and Rajasthan, choose the puja or shopping time on Maha Shivaratri from the Choghadiya. Amrit, Shubh and Labh are the good periods; Char also suits travel.
| Time | Choghadiya | Quality |
|---|---|---|
| 6:08 am to 7:34 am | Udveg | Avoid |
| 7:34 am to 8:59 am | Char | Weak |
| 8:59 am to 10:25 am | Labh | Good |
| 10:25 am to 11:50 am | Amrit | Good |
| 11:50 am to 1:16 pm | Kaal | Avoid |
| 1:16 pm to 2:41 pm | Shubh | Good |
| 2:41 pm to 4:07 pm | Rog | Avoid |
| 4:07 pm to 5:33 pm | Udveg | Avoid |
| 5:33 pm to 7:07 pm (night) | Shubh | Good |
| 7:07 pm to 8:41 pm (night) | Amrit | Good |
| 8:41 pm to 10:16 pm (night) | Char | Weak |
| 10:16 pm to 11:50 pm (night) | Rog | Avoid |
| 11:50 pm to 1:24 am (night) | Kaal | Avoid |
| 1:24 am to 2:59 am (night) | Labh | Good |
| 2:59 am to 4:33 am (night) | Udveg | Avoid |
| 4:33 am to 6:07 am (night) | Shubh | Good |
Questions people ask
When is Maha Shivaratri in 2026?
Maha Shivaratri is on Sunday, 15 February, 2026.
What is the Maha Shivaratri 2026 puja muhurat in Kolkata?
In Kolkata, the midnight (nishita kaal) window is 11:25 pm to 12:15 am (night of 15 Feb). Krishna Chaturdashi runs from 5:04 pm, 15 Feb to 5:32 pm, 16 Feb.
Why is Maha Shivaratri celebrated?
Maha Shivaratri is the great night of Lord Shiva, on Krishna Chaturdashi of the month Magha in the amanta calendar (Phalguna in the purnimanta calendar). Devotees fast, offer bilva leaves and abhishekam to the Shiva Linga, and stay awake through the night in prayer..