Masik Shivaratri is observed every lunar month on Krishna Paksha Chaturdashi. This page lists the monthly dates and local worship timings for your selected place. Because the relevant Tithi and Nishita period can differ by timezone, choose your actual city before following the date.
What this calendar helps you check
- Monthly observance date: the Krishna Paksha Chaturdashi selected for Masik Shivaratri.
- Local Nishita timing: the midnight worship period calculated for the selected location.
- Fasting information: the displayed result may include the next-day Parana time when it is provided by the calculation engine.
Masik Shivaratri and Maha Shivaratri are not the same
Masik Shivaratri occurs every lunar month. Maha Shivaratri is the major annual observance associated with the Krishna Paksha Chaturdashi of the traditional Phalguna or Magha month, depending on the regional month convention. The monthly calendar below should not be read as a list of multiple Maha Shivaratri dates.
Select year and location
Yearly Shivaratri Dates 2026 (Columbus)
January, 2026
Masa Shivaratri (Pausha Maas (Month))
Parana (Break-fast)
February, 2026
Maha Shivaratri (Magha Maas (Month))
Parana (Break-fast)
March, 2026
Masa Shivaratri (Phalguna Maas (Month))
Parana (Break-fast)
April, 2026
Masa Shivaratri (Chaitra Maas (Month))
Parana (Break-fast)
May, 2026
Masa Shivaratri (Vaisakha Maas (Month))
Parana (Break-fast)
June, 2026
Masa Shivaratri ((Adhika) Jyeshtha Maas (Month))
Parana (Break-fast)
July, 2026
Masa Shivaratri (Jyeshtha Maas (Month))
Parana (Break-fast)
August, 2026
Masa Shivaratri (Ashadha Maas (Month))
Parana (Break-fast)
October, 2026
Masa Shivaratri (Bhadrapada Maas (Month))
Parana (Break-fast)
November, 2026
Masa Shivaratri (Ashvina Maas (Month))
Parana (Break-fast)
December, 2026
Masa Shivaratri (Kartika Maas (Month))
Parana (Break-fast)
Shivaratri Vrat Rules & Puja Vidhi
Observing the Fast (Upavasa): The Shivaratri fast is extremely potent. Devotees should wake up during Brahma Muhurta, take a bath (preferably with sesame seeds), and make a Sankalpa (vow) to observe the fast with a pure heart. The fast is usually Nirjala (without water) for the strictly observant, but fruits and milk are permitted for others.
Puja Vidhi (Procedure): The night is divided into four Praharas. Worship should be performed in each Prahara with different materials:
- First Prahara (Evening): Abhishekam with Milk.
- Second Prahara (Midnight): Abhishekam with Curd.
- Third Prahara (Late Night): Abhishekam with Ghee.
- Fourth Prahara (Early Morning): Abhishekam with Honey.
Chanting "Om Namah Shivaya" continuously during the Jagaran (staying awake all night) destroys sins accumulated over lifetimes.
Mantra for Bilva Patra Offering
"Tridalam Trigunakaram Trinetram Cha Triayudham,
Trijanma Papa Samharam Eka Bilvam Shivarpanam."
How to read the Shivaratri details
- Masik Shivaratri
- The monthly Shiva observance connected with Krishna Paksha Chaturdashi.
- Chaturdashi Tithi
- The fourteenth lunar Tithi. Its relation to the night and Nishita period is important in selecting the observance date.
- Nishita Kaal
- The local midnight period used for the principal night worship. It changes with location and date.
- Parana
- The customary breaking of the fast on the following day. Follow the locally displayed time and your family or temple practice.
Questions devotees commonly ask
How is the Masik Shivaratri date selected?
The calculation examines Krishna Paksha Chaturdashi in relation to the applicable night and Nishita period for the selected location.
Why can the date differ between India and another country?
The Tithi can begin or end at different local clock times, and the local Nishita period also changes by longitude and timezone.
Is every monthly Shivaratri Maha Shivaratri?
No. Masik Shivaratri occurs every month, while Maha Shivaratri is the principal annual observance.
Must everyone follow the same fasting method?
No. Full fasting, fruit-based fasting, night vigil and temple worship vary by health, family tradition and personal practice. Do not delay necessary food or medicine for a medical condition.
Why might my temple show a different date?
The temple may use another location, Panchanga method or regional month convention. Follow the established practice of the temple or family tradition you normally observe.
About these dates
The calendar combines astronomical calculations with the Shivaratri selection rules implemented by this service. Religious practice can differ by region, temple and lineage, so treat the result as a practical calendar rather than a replacement for your established tradition.