Shivaratri Dates 2026
There are 12 Masik Shivaratris in a regular year. The most significant among them is Maha Shivaratri, falling in the month of Phalguna, which is one of the most important festivals in the Hindu calendar. Observing Masik Shivaratri is believed to bring Lord Shiva's blessings, remove sins, and grant liberation.
All times shown in: Asia/Kolkata
| Date | Begins | Ends | Lunar Month | Paksha | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16-Jan-2026 | 16-Jan-2026 10:22 PM Friday | 18-Jan-2026 12:04 AM Sunday | Pausha | Krishna |
|
| 15-Feb-2026 | 15-Feb-2026 05:05 PM Sunday | 16-Feb-2026 05:34 PM Monday | Magha | Krishna |
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| 17-Mar-2026 | 17-Mar-2026 09:23 AM Tuesday | 18-Mar-2026 08:25 AM Wednesday | Phalguna | Krishna |
|
| 15-Apr-2026 | 15-Apr-2026 10:31 PM Wednesday | 16-Apr-2026 08:11 PM Thursday | Chaitra | Krishna |
|
| 15-May-2026 | 15-May-2026 08:31 AM Friday | 16-May-2026 05:11 AM Saturday | Vaishakha | Krishna |
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| 13-Jun-2026 | 13-Jun-2026 04:08 PM Saturday | 14-Jun-2026 12:20 PM Sunday | Jyeshtha | Krishna |
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| 12-Jul-2026 | 12-Jul-2026 10:30 PM Sunday | 13-Jul-2026 06:50 PM Monday | Adhika Jyeshtha | Krishna |
|
| 11-Aug-2026 | 11-Aug-2026 04:54 AM Tuesday | 12-Aug-2026 01:53 AM Wednesday | Ashadha | Krishna |
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| 09-Sep-2026 | 09-Sep-2026 12:31 PM Wednesday | 10-Sep-2026 10:33 AM Thursday | Shravana | Krishna |
|
| 08-Oct-2026 | 08-Oct-2026 10:16 PM Thursday | 09-Oct-2026 09:36 PM Friday | Bhadrapada | Krishna |
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| 07-Nov-2026 | 07-Nov-2026 10:48 AM Saturday | 08-Nov-2026 11:28 AM Sunday | Ashvina | Krishna |
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| 07-Dec-2026 | 07-Dec-2026 02:22 AM Monday | 08-Dec-2026 04:13 AM Tuesday | Kartika | Krishna |
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Masik Shivaratri – Significance, Fasting Rules & Rituals
What is Masik Shivaratri?
Masik Shivaratri is a monthly observance dedicated to Lord Shiva, falling on the 14th tithi (Chaturdashi) of the Krishna Paksha every month. It occurs 12 times a year and is considered a sacred night for Shiva worship, meditation, and fasting.
What is the difference between Masik Shivaratri and Maha Shivaratri?
Masik Shivaratri occurs every month on the Krishna Paksha Chaturdashi. Maha Shivaratri is the specific Masik Shivaratri that falls in the month of Phalguna (February–March) and is considered the most significant — it is one of the grandest festivals in the Hindu calendar.
How is Masik Shivaratri observed?
Devotees observe a fast throughout the day and perform Shiva abhishek — ritual bathing of the Shivaling with milk, water, honey, curd, and ghee. Bilva leaves, white flowers, and sandalwood paste are offered. The night is spent in prayer, chanting, and reading of Shiva scriptures.
What mantras are chanted on Masik Shivaratri?
The most commonly chanted mantras are the Panchakshara Mantra (Om Namah Shivaya), the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra, and the Shiva Tandava Stotram. Reciting the Shiva Sahasranama (1008 names of Lord Shiva) is also considered highly meritorious.
What are the benefits of observing Masik Shivaratri?
Observing Masik Shivaratri with devotion is believed to cleanse sins, remove negative karma, bestow good health, prosperity, and marital harmony, and ultimately lead the devotee toward liberation (moksha).
