Maha Shivratri is a significant Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Shiva, celebrated with great devotion across India 
and other parts of the world. This year, Maha Shivratri will fall on February 26, 2024, according to the Hindu calendar. The festival takes place on the Chaturdashi Tithi of Krishna Paksha in the month of Phalguna. The Chaturdashi Tithi will begin on February 26 at 11:08 AM and end on February 27 at 08:54 AM.
For devotees who follow the Udaya Tithi (sunrise tradition), the fast will be observed on February 27, 2024. It is believed that worshiping Lord Shiva on this holy night with a pure heart grants blessings and fulfills wishes. Key rituals, such as the Rudrabhishek (the sacred bathing of the Shivling) with offerings like milk, honey, and water, are carried out during this time.
Special Rituals for Maha Shivratri
During Maha Shivratri, devotees perform various rituals that hold special significance:
- Offering Black Sesame Seeds and Black Pepper:
On this day, offering black sesame seeds and black pepper to Lord Shiva is a traditional practice. It is believed that placing black pepper on the Shivling and another piece at the temple’s entrance brings divine blessings, removing obstacles, and attracting the grace of both Lord Shiva and Goddess Lakshmi. - Mixing Black Sesame Seeds in Water for Abhishek:
A powerful ritual during Maha Shivratri involves performing the Abhishek (sacred bath) of the Shivling with water mixed with black sesame seeds. This is said to please Lord Shiva and bless the devotee with ancestral (Pitru) blessings.
Four Phases of Shivratri Night Puja
The Maha Shivratri Puja is carried out in four phases (Prahars) throughout the night. These phases are considered especially auspicious, and the timings are as follows:
- First Prahar Puja Muhurat: 6:19 PM to 9:26 PM (February 26)
- Second Prahar Puja Muhurat: 9:26 PM to 12:34 AM (February 27)
- Third Prahar Puja Muhurat: 12:34 AM to 3:41 AM (February 27)
- Fourth Prahar Puja Muhurat: 3:41 AM to 6:48 AM (February 27)
Devotees observe a fast, chant sacred mantras, and perform Rudrabhishek during these auspicious hours to invite Lord Shiva’s divine blessings and the fulfillment of their desires.