February 23, 2024: Maha Shivaratri is a Hindu festival celebrated in honour of the deity Shiva, between February and March. As per Hindu calendar, the festival is observed on the fourteenth day of the dark (waning) half of the lunar month of Magh.

Maha Shivratri is celebrated at night and is believed that Shiva performs his celestial dance, known as 'Tandav.'

The celebration includes maintaining a Jagaran, an all-night vigil and prayers, because Shaiva Hindus mark this night as "overcoming darkness and ignorance" in one's life and the world through Shiva. Offerings of fruits, leaves, sweets and milk are made to Shiva. Some perform all-day fasting with Vedic or tantric worship of Shiva and some perform meditative yoga.

It is believed that observing Maha Shivaratri fast can make the fulfillment of impossible and challenging tasks possible, all through the grace of Lord Shiva.

This year, Shivratri will be celebrated on March 8. As per sources, the timings are as follows:

Chaturdashi Tithi Begins: 09:57 PM on March 08, 2024

Chaturdashi Tithi Ends: 06:17 PM on Mar 09, 2024

Nishita Kaal Puja Time: 12:07 AM to 12:56 AM, March 09

On March 09, Shivaratri Parana Time: 06:37 AM to 03:29 AM