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Maha Shivaratri
The Great Night of Shiva — the most sacred night for devotees of Lord Shiva.
📅 February 26🌙 Lunar calendar
✦ Why It Matters
Maha Shivaratri is the night when Shiva performs the cosmic dance of creation, preservation, and destruction (Tandava). Devotees believe staying awake all night in worship destroys sins accumulated over lifetimes.
✦ How It Is Observed
All-night vigil, continuous abhisheka (ritual bathing of the Shiva linga with milk, honey, and water), offering of bel leaves, fasting throughout the day, chanting Om Namah Shivaya.
✦ Sacred Text
“Om Namah Shivaya — I bow to Shiva, the auspicious one, the destroyer of ego, the master of all beings.”
— Shiva Purana ↗
Note on dates: This holiday follows a lunar or lunisolar calendar. The date shown is approximate for 2025–2026. Exact dates may vary by one or two days depending on moon sighting and regional tradition. Always confirm with your local community.