Hindu holy night · Expected Saturday, March 6, 2027
Maha Shivaratri
The Great Night of Shiva: a day of fasting, a night-long vigil of prayer and song, and a sunrise of renewal.
Say it like a neighbor
Happy Maha Shivaratri
Say: mah-HAH shih-vah-RAH-tree · “the Great Night of Shiva”
Om Namah Shivaya
Devotees answer with the mantra “Om Namah Shivaya” (OHM nah-MAH shih-VAH-yah), which means “I bow to Shiva,” or with “Har Har Mahadev.” You do not have to be Hindu to say Happy Maha Shivaratri.
Mar 6
Maha Shivaratri is a night-long vigil. Tap to follow the four watches of the night.
When is Maha Shivaratri? Key dates and days to know
Main day
Maha Shivaratri falls on the 14th night of the dark half of the lunar month, usually in February or March. Calendars can differ by a day. Most list Saturday, March 6, 2027, while some U.S. calendars list Friday, March 5, so please check with your temple. The vigil runs from dusk to sunrise.
What is Maha Shivaratri and what does it mean?
Maha Shivaratri means “the Great Night of Shiva.” It is a Hindu festival in honor of Shiva, one of the central figures of Hindu devotion, whom many worship as lord of meditation, change and compassion.
It falls on the 14th night of the dark half of the lunar month, when the moon is almost gone. Traditions tell several stories: the wedding of Shiva and Parvati, the night Shiva drank the poison that rose from the churning of the ocean and so saved the world, and the first appearance of the lingam, the abstract symbol of Shiva.
The night is about turning inward. Devotees fast, stay awake and pray through the dark as a way to move from ignorance toward clarity, and many see it as a night of renewal and self-control.
How is Maha Shivaratri observed? Customs and traditions
Fasting
Many devotees fast for the day, either with no food at all or with light foods such as fruit, milk and root vegetables. Many avoid grains, onion and garlic. Customs differ by family and region, and children, elders and people who are unwell are not expected to fast.
Bathing and the temple
Devotees bathe early, put on clean clothes and visit a Shiva temple or a shrine at home. Lines at temples can be long.
Abhishekam, the ritual bath
Priests and devotees bathe the lingam, the smooth stone that is the main symbol of Shiva in worship, with water, milk, honey and other offerings while mantras are chanted.
Bilva leaves
The three-part bilva (bel) leaf is one of the best-known offerings to Shiva. Its three leaflets are often compared to his trident.
Om Namah Shivaya
The five-syllable mantra “Om Namah Shivaya” is chanted through the night, along with bhajans, devotional songs.
Jagaran, the night vigil
Staying awake is the heart of the holiday. Many temples hold four pujas, one for each watch (prahar) of the night, and families sing, meditate and listen to stories of Shiva.
Breaking the fast
At sunrise, devotees take prasad (blessed food) and break the fast with a simple meal. The next day often brings feasts, and in India large fairs at Shiva temples.
Being a good neighbor on Maha Shivaratri
Tap each one as you go.
Maha Shivaratri in Houston: how neighbors can take part
Full-day Shivaratri programs at Houston temples
Houston has a large and varied Hindu community, with temples from Stafford and Sugar Land to Pearland and The Woodlands that serve families from many parts of India and beyond.
Shivaratri is a major night for them. In 2026, local listings showed a full-day program of abhishekam and puja at the Houston Durgabari Society and special pujas at Sri Meenakshi Temple in Pearland.
Temples set their own hours and generally welcome respectful visitors. The 2027 schedules had not been posted when we checked, so call or check the temple’s website.
Maha Shivaratri events in Houston
Houston temples set their own times, and calendars can differ by a day. Please check with the temple before you go. Visitors who dress modestly and follow the temple’s rules are generally welcome.
Questions neighbors ask about Maha Shivaratri
When is Maha Shivaratri 2027?
Maha Shivaratri is Saturday, March 6, 2027, though some calendars place it a day earlier. Check with your local temple.
What is Maha Shivaratri?
It is the “Great Night of Shiva,” a Hindu observance honoring Lord Shiva. Devotees fast, pray and stay awake through the night, chanting “Om Namah Shivaya.”
What do you say on Maha Shivaratri?
“Happy Maha Shivaratri” is a kind greeting. Hindu neighbors who are fasting often welcome a quiet word of support.
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