Maha Shivratri 2024 Date And Time: All You Need To Know

Mahashivratri 2024 Date: Mahashivratri is one of the most significant festivals dedicated to Lord Shiva which is celebrated by Hindus worldwide every year. The festival of Mahashivratri falls every year on the 13th or 14th night of the lunar month or the day before the new moon by the Hindu calendar, which usually falls in February or March in the Gregorian calendar.

The word Mahashivratri "The Great Night of Shiva" is derived from two Sanskrit words - ¡°Maha¡±, meaning great, ¡°Shiva" referring to the lord shiva, and "ratri¡± means night, meaning the night of Lord Shiva.

It is believed that on this night, Lord Shiva performed the ¡°Tandava¡± dance, a dance which signifies creation, preservation, and destruction. Hence, the festival is considered to be an extremely auspicious event for devotees of Lord Shiva.

Mahashivratri 2024 Date: When is Maha Shivratri in 2024?

Mahashivratri, a revered Hindu festival, is an annual celebration dedicated to Lord Shiva, considered the supreme deity in Hinduism. This sacred occasion holds significant importance and is marked by devout celebrations worldwide by followers of Shiva.

Mahashivratri 2024 Date

Maha Shivratri, known as the great night of Lord Shiva, is a significant occasion marked by fasting, meditation on Shiva, self-reflection, fostering social harmony, and an overnight vigil at Shiva temples. According to the Hindu calendar, Maha Shivratri is observed annually on the fourteenth day of the dark (waning) half of the lunar month of Phalguna or Magha. In the Gregorian calendar, this year, the day falls on Friday, March 8, 2024.

How To Celebrate Maha Shivaratri?

On the special day of Mahashivaratri, devotees observe fasting as a gesture to please Lord Shiva. This festival is particularly auspicious for women, with married women praying for the well-being of their husbands and unmarried women seeking a life partner with qualities akin to Lord Shiva, known for being an ideal husband.

Various rituals are performed in temples across the country during Mahashivratri celebrations. Devotees engage in prayers and puja ceremonies dedicated to Lord Shiva, offering items such as milk, honey, flowers, and the sacred Bilva Patra leaves.

In addition to the puja rituals, devotees undertake fasting, abstaining from food and drink throughout the day. Some choose to stay awake the entire night, participating in prayers and meditations, commonly known as the "Night of Awakening." Others visit temples to seek blessings from Lord Shiva. Devotees utilize this night by worshipping Adidev Mahadev through continuous chanting and listening to Mantras like Mahamrityunjay Mantra and Shiva Tandav Stotram.

Mahashivratri attracts a large gathering of devotees at prominent Shiva temples nationwide, including the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga in Ujjain and the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi. The festivities are characterized by devotional songs, mantra chanting, and the resonating sound of temple bells.

Known as "The Great Night of Shiva," Mahashivratri is also viewed as a time for spiritual awakening. Many individuals across the country use this occasion to seek inner peace and enlightenment, believing that Lord Shiva is especially benevolent on this night, granting the wishes of those who pray with unwavering devotion.

Beyond its religious aspects, Mahashivratri is celebrated with enthusiasm through cultural events and festivities, featuring dance performances, musical presentations, and various cultural programs, making it a grand celebration for all participants.

Mahashivratri 2024 Date and Time | Shutterstock

Why is Mahashivratri celebrated?

Shivratri is a Hindu festival celebrated every year in honour of Lord Shiva, one of the most powerful deities within the Trimurti, the Hindu trinity which also includes Brahma and Vishnu. The festival is observed on the 13th night/14th day of the Hindu lunar month of Phalguna, which usually falls in February or March and this year the festival will be celebrated on the 8th of March.

According to Hindu mythology, there are many stories associated with the celebration of Mahashivratri. One of the most popular legends states that Lord Shiva drank the deadly poison called halahal or kalakuta that emerged from the ocean during the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean) to save the world.

Another popular story relates to the marriage of Lord Shiva and Parvati, who are considered the ideal couple in Hinduism. It is believed that on the night of Mahashivratri, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati got married, and since then the festival marks the union of Lord Shiva and Devi Parvati.

Maha Shivratri 2024 FAQs

When is Maha Shivratri?

In 2024, Mahashivratri or Maha Shivratri will be celebrated on March 8, 2024 (Friday).

Why is Maha Shivratri celebrated?

Maha Shivratri is a Hindu festival celebrated annually to honor Lord Shiva, one of the principal deities in Hinduism. It is believed that on this day, Lord Shiva performed the Tandava dance, which symbolizes creation, preservation, and destruction. The festival is celebrated on the 14th night of the Hindu month of Phalguna or Maagha, which usually falls in February or March. It is observed by fasting, performing puja (worship) of Lord Shiva, and chanting his mantras.

Can we sleep during the Day on Shivaratri?

Shivaratri is traditionally observed as a night of fasting and vigil, during which devotees stay awake and engage in prayers, meditation, and other spiritual practices. Therefore, it is generally not recommended to sleep on Shivaratri night.

What is the favourite foods of Lord Shiva?

As per Mythology Lord Shiva's favourite food is Kand-Mool and he also likes bhang, dhatura, milk, thandai, and sweets white in colour.

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