Mahashivratri 2026: The festival of Mahashivratri was celebrated on 15 February 2026. But the last auspicious time for puja will be four prahar till 06:59 am on 16th February 2026. According to the calendar, Mahashivratri is celebrated on the Chaturdashi date of Phalgun Krishna Paksha. Today, on 16th February, Chaturdashi Tithi will remain till 05:13 pm. Due to Chaturdashi date being 16th February in the Panchang, many devotees are wondering whether Mahashivratri can be worshiped today i.e. 16th February as per Udayatithi.

Why is there confusion?

Trayodashi Tithi started from 04:02 PM on 14th February and Trayodashi Tithi was till 05:05 PM on 15th February. Chaturdashi Tithi started from 05:06 pm on 15th February, which will end on 16th February at 05:35 pm. For this reason, this year the festival of Mahashivratri was celebrated on 15 February in Trayodashi Yukt Chaturdashi.

Is Mahashivratri also on 16th February (Mahashivratri 2026 Date)

No, today 16 February 2026 is not Mahashivratri. But today you can worship Mahashivratri till 6.59 am. The reason for this is that the auspicious time of the fourth Prahar for the worship of Mahashivratri will be from 03:47 am to 06:59 am on 16th February. If due to some reason you could not worship Mahashivratri on 15th February, then you can worship Mahashivratri during this time also. After this, Mahashivratri fast will be broken.

What time to do Paran (Mahashivratri 2026 Vrat Paran)

After any fast, the ritual of Parana (breaking the fast) is the last and important part of the puja. Especially Mahashivratri fast is not just about staying hungry, rather it is a festival of becoming one with Shiva. Complete the puja of the last prahar, anoint Lord Shiva and then break the fast as per the rituals. According to the scriptures, it is best to break the Mahashivratri fast only after the Chaturdashi date of Phalgun Krishna Paksha ends and after sunrise. The time for Paran will be from 7:06 am to 3:46 pm on 16th February.

Also read: Mahashivratri 2026: Mahashivratri celebrations begin at Sadhguru’s Isha Foundation, see schedule here

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