Mahashivratri, the significant Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Shiva, has garnered substantial attention as devotees prepare for its grand celebration on February 26, 2025. Observed on the 14th night of the dark fortnight of the month of Phalgun, this festival symbolizes the auspicious union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, marking the event with fervent devotion and rigorous rituals.
According to Aaj Tak, Mahashivratri is more than just a religious observance; it is considered the most fruitful day for worshiping Lord Shiva. The day is enveloped with activities including fasting, mantra chanting, and night vigils aimed at attaining peace and joy. Rituals during this occasion hold immense importance, with lauded practices expected to optimize the benefits of the day's observance.
The festival will commence when the Chaturdashi Tithi begins at 11:08 AM on February 26 and will conclude at 8:54 AM on February 27. Devotees are encouraged to engage with Mahadev throughout the night, with specific rituals planned for various time slots.
Particularly important is the Nishita Kala, which is regarded as the most auspicious time for conducting prayers and offerings. This year, Nishita Kala will be from 12:09 AM to 12:59 AM on February 27. It is during this time when devotees are expected to seek blessings with unwavering devotion.
Ritual timings are structured to allow devotees to effectively perform their worship. The first period for prayer will run from 6:19 PM to 9:26 PM on February 26. The second period continues from 9:26 PM to 12:34 AM, and follows with the third period lasting until 3:41 AM. The final phase extends from 3:41 AM until 6:48 AM on February 27.
Additional hours for water offerings, particularly for the Shiva Lingam, will be available from 6:47 AM to 9:42 AM and from 11:06 AM to 12:35 PM on the same day. Further offerings can be made from 3:25 PM to 6:08 PM and concluding with the last auspicious timing from 8:54 PM to 12:01 AM.
According to both Aaj Tak and several astrological assessments, this year's Mahashivratri will witness Bhadra Kaal influentially adorning the festivities. This period—set between 11:08 AM on February 26 and 10:05 PM—could ideally appear to complicate worship practices. Nonetheless, experts assure there would be no adverse effects on the rituals, emphasizing the possibility of conducting worship at any hour on the festival day.
It is, nevertheless, preferable for devotees to perform worship during this significant evening, especially between 6:19 PM and 9:26 PM, designated to align with positive outcomes desired from the prayers.
Prior to engaging with the day’s religious obligations, one should ideally cleanse and dress appropriately and meditate on their intent for the day. It is customary to initiate worship through the proper recitation of vows and the offering of water to the deity. The rituals include offering Panchamrit and fragrant substances, such as sandalwood and various flowers, alongside traditional offerings of food suitable for offering to Lord Shiva, particularly the saffron-infused milk rice.
After conducting the daytime fast and worship, the evening’s puja offerings need to be executed with sincerity—this includes the ritualistic application of sandalwood paste and the presentation of various sacred offerings. For the bhoga, sanctified food should be prepared and later shared among family and devotees as prasad.
Major temples across the regions will resonate with fervent chants and rituals, welcoming thousands of devotees eager to connect with the divine. The ambiance on Mahashivratri traditionally resonates with divine energy, compelling adherents to embrace both the spirit and energy of Lord Shiva, known as the ‘Destroyer of Evil’.
Overall, Mahashivratri is not just about rituals; it encapsulates the cultural richness and faith of the Hindu tradition. With its strict adherence to timings, practices, and the embrace of community, it serves as both personal and collective devotion among followers.