Śivarātrī

Hindu festival

Also known as: Shivaratri

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Last updated

July 13, 2026

Quick Summary

Maha Shivaratri is the most significant sectarian festival for devotees of the Hindu god Shiva. It is celebrated on the 14th day of the dark half of the lunar month, typically in February or March.12

The festival commemorates several legends, including the divine marriage of Shiva and Parvati, the emergence of the Shiva lingam, and Shiva consuming poison to save the universe during the Samudra Manthana.12

Observances include fasting, night vigils, and the worship of the Shiva lingam with offerings of water, milk, honey, and bilva leaves. Devotees chant mantras and recite myths about Shiva. The following day is celebrated with feasting and fairs. Worship on this night is believed to bring spiritual and worldly benefits.2

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Kathmandu
…Kathmandu include, in spring, the Shivaratri and the Machendra Jatra with its procession bearing the image of the god Machendra; in late summer, the Gai Jatra (festival of the cow); and, in early autumn, the Indra Jatra, during which the goddess Devi, represented by a young girl, is carried in…
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…Kathmandu include, in spring, the Shivaratri and the Machendra Jatra with its procession bearing the image of the god Machendra; in late summer, the Gai Jatra (festival of the cow); and, in early autumn, the Indra Jatra, during which the goddess Devi, represented by a young girl, is carried in…
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Pashupati
The Śivarātri festival in February or early March attracts Hindu pilgrims from India and other foreign countries. Pious Hindus also go there to die, believing that they will find salvation if they expire with their feet in the sacred waters of the river at Pashupati.
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The Śivarātri festival in February or early March attracts Hindu pilgrims from India and other foreign countries. Pious Hindus also go there to die, believing that they will find salvation if they expire with their feet in the sacred waters of the river at Pashupati.
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Uttar Pradesh
Festivals and holidays
…Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth; Shivaratri, a day devoted to the worship of the god Shiva; Holi, a colourful spring festival; and Janmashtami, celebrating the birthday of the god Krishna. Important religious occasions for Muslims in Uttar Pradesh include mawlids, birthdays of holy figures;
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…Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth; Shivaratri, a day devoted to the worship of the god Shiva; Holi, a colourful spring festival; and Janmashtami, celebrating the birthday of the god Krishna. Important religious occasions for Muslims in Uttar Pradesh include mawlids, birthdays of holy figures;
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