Maha Shivratri 2025: Fasting rules, Dos and Don'ts, Puja Vidhi, and rituals

Maha Shivratri, one of the most significant Hindu festivals, will be observed on February 26, 2025. Celebrated annually on the 14th day of the dark (waning) half of the lunar month of Phalguna or Magha, it is a night dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Devotees across the country observe the occasion with great devotion, performing Shiva puja, fasting, and night-long vigils.

Maha Shivratri 2025 Fasting Rules: What You Need to Know

Observing a fast on Maha Shivratri is believed to bring divine blessings and spiritual purification. Many devotees follow a nirjala vrat (fasting without water), while others consume limited vrat-friendly foods. Here are the key dos and don’ts to keep in mind:

Dos for Maha Shivratri Fasting

Pre-fast preparation – Devotees should eat a single meal on Trayodashi, the day before Maha Shivratri, to prepare the body and mind for the fast.

Purification ritual – On the day of the fast, take an early morning bath, wear clean clothes, and maintain purity.

Multiple puja sessions – Shivratri puja can be performed once or four times throughout the night.

Bathe the Shivlinga – Use milk, honey, saffron, Ganga water, and other sacred items for the abhishek before offering prayers.

Eat only vrat-friendly foods – Stick to fruits, milk, curd, nuts, and root vegetables during the fast.

Night-long devotion – Staying awake and chanting "Om Namah Shivaya" throughout the night is considered auspicious.

Don’ts for Maha Shivratri Fasting

Avoid grains and pulses – Food items like rice, wheat, lentils, and legumes should be completely avoided.

Do not offer coconut water – Although coconuts can be offered to Lord Shiva, coconut water should not be.

Avoid consuming prasad – Anything that has been offered to Lord Shiva should not be consumed, as it is believed to bring misfortune.

Limit tea and coffee – Excessive consumption can lead to dehydration.

Skip kumkum tilak – Use sandalwood paste instead of kumkum during puja.

Avoid certain flowers – Flowers like kevada and champa should not be offered, as they are considered inauspicious for Shiva puja.

Maha Shivratri 2025: Puja Vidhi and Rituals

On Maha Shivratri, devotees perform ritualistic worship of Lord Shiva and seek his divine blessings. Here’s how the puja vidhi is traditionally followed:

Sacred offerings – Items such as bel patra, dhatura fruit, raw rice, milk, curd, ghee, sandalwood, and honey should be offered to Lord Shiva.

Shivalinga decoration – The Shivlinga is adorned with flowers, bael leaves, and holy water.

Special offerings – Devotees can also present sweets made from milk, such as peda, barfi, and kheer.

Temple celebrations – In the evening, Shiva temples across the country witness large gatherings, devotional singing, and grand processions of Lord Shiva and Parvati on palanquins.

Night-long vigil – Many devotees stay up all night, engaging in bhajans, kirtans, and prayers to honor Lord Shiva.

Maha Shivratri is a time for spiritual awakening, self-discipline, and devotion. By following these fasting rules, puja rituals, and traditions, devotees seek Lord Shiva’s blessings for prosperity, inner peace, and salvation.