Mahashivaratri, one of the most significant festivals in the Hindu calendar, is dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva. In 2025, Mahashivaratri will be celebrated on February 26. This auspicious day falls on the 14th night of the dark phase of the moon (Krishna Paksha) in the month of Magha.
The festival holds immense spiritual and religious significance. Devotees observe a day-long fast, offer prayers, and perform night-long rituals to seek Lord Shiva's blessings. It is believed that observing these rituals on Mahashivaratri helps in attaining spiritual enlightenment and purification of the soul.
The day begins with devotees taking a holy bath and visiting temples to offer prayers. Special pujas are performed, and the Shivling is bathed with milk, curd, ghee, and honey during the four different phases of the night. The Nishita Kaal Puja, which takes place between 12:08 AM and 12:58 AM on February 27, 2025, is considered the most significant ritual.
Mahashivaratri is also the last day of the Maha Kumbh Mela, one of the largest spiritual gatherings in the world, held in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. Devotees from all over the world come together to take a dip in the holy waters of the Triveni Sangam, seeking spiritual liberation and blessings from Lord Shiva.
In 2025, the festival will be celebrated with great grandeur and devotion, as devotees eagerly await the opportunity to connect with the divine and seek Lord Shiva's grace.