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Maha Shivratri is one of the most awaited and auspicious festivals for Hindu devotees. Also known as the “Great Night of Lord Shiva,” Maha Shivratri is celebrated every year on the 14th day of Krishna Paksha in the Flagun month, as per the Hindu calendar.
This year, Maha Shivratri will be celebrated on the 26th of February. Many devotees observe a fast and stick to a satvik diet to pray to Lord Shiva. As a part of the morning prayer, offerings like panchamrit, ber, dhatura, milk, etc, are prepared to please the Lord. Read on to learn more about why Maha Shivratri is celebrated, the exact time when you can observe a puja, and the traditional foods associated with the festival.
Date And Time For Maha Shivratri 2025
While Maha Shivratri falls on the 26th of February 2025, the shubh muhrat for Nishita Kaal Puja Time is 12:09 AM to 12:59 AM on the 27th of February 2025. As for the Shivaratri Parana Time, it starts from 6:48 AM to 08:54 AM on 25th February. Also, the Chaturdashi Tithi Begins on 26th February at 11:08 AM and ends on 27th February at 8:54 AM.
Why Is Maha Shivratri Celebrated?
There are many mythologies associated with the celebration of Maha Shivratri. As per the Hindu scripts, the festival is observed to commemorate the union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, which symbolises the coming together of masculine and feminine energies. It is also the day when Lord Shiva begins Tandava, the cosmic dance, which represents the cycle of creation and destruction.
Traditional Foods Associated With Maha Shivratri
Panchamrit
Panchamrit, which translates to a holy mixture of five nectars, is one of the major offerings to Lord Shiva. It is made with five simple ingredients: milk, honey, sugar, curd, and Ganga jal (water from the holy river, Ganga).
Datura
Datura, also known as thorn apples, are also offered to Lord Shiva on Maha Shivratri. The poisonous fruit represents the Neelkantha and has immense significance in Hindu mythology. The flowers of the Datura plant are placed on the Shivling while praying.
Ber
The fruit ber and its leaves, too, are significant when worshipping Lord Shiva. The sweet fruit signifies simplicity and is considered to be the symbol of humility.
Fruits And Seeds
For the people who observe a fast on Maha Shivratri, there is an abstinence from eating whole grains. Shifting the focus to a Satvik diet, the devotees often have raw fruits and seeds throughout the day.
Makhana Kheer
To conclude the fast, millets like kuttu ka atta, makhana, and samak rice are used to prepare the meal. Often, the rich dessert, kheer, is made with the superfood makhana kheer along with dishes like kuttu ki roti, vrat vale aloo, etc.
