Maha Shivaratri 2025: Don’t do this on festival day

Maha Shivaratri 2025: Hindus celebrate the holy festival of Maha Shivaratri with fervor every year. This year, it falls on February 26, and is celebrated across the country with unique traditions and great dedication. Dont do this on festival day.

Annually, Maha Shivaratri falls on the 14th day of the dark (waning) half of the moon of Phalguna or Magha, the day before Amavasya. On this day devotees worship Shiva and Maa Parvati, seek their blessings and observe nirjala vrata (fasting without water) throughout the day.

If you and your loved ones are observing a punitive fast, you should always remember don’t do this on festival day.

During the fast, avoid consuming forbidden foods such as grains and legumes.

Coconuts can be offered to Lord Shiva, but do not offer coconut water.

You are advised not to consume anything offered to Shiva as it is believed to bring bad luck.

While fasting, do not drink too much tea and coffee, as this can lead to dehydration.

Devotees should never use kumkum tilak during this puja and sandalwood paste should be preferred.
Do not offer flowers like kevada and champa, as they are cursed by Shiva. During Mahashivaratri puja, offer bel patra, dhatura fruit, raw rice, milk, curd, sandalwood, ghee and water to Lord Shiva. These items are offered to Lord Shiva to bless him with success, prosperity, peace and happiness.

Devotees can also offer sweets made from milk and its derivatives like barfi, peda and kheer. During the Mahashivaratri Puja, decorate the Shivalinga with flowers and bel leaves and offer bhang, fruits, honey, ghee, sweets and milk to Lord Shiva. Meanwhile, on the evening of Mahashivaratri, people throng the temples and worship the Shivlinga. They light lamps, spend the whole night in the temple and take part in spectacular processions of Lord Shiva and Parvati – taken on a palanquin at night.

Also Read: Maha Shivaratri 2025: Bank will remain close for 2 days