Maha Shivaratri

Maha Shivaratri — the Great Night of Shiva — falls on the Chaturdashi (14th) tithi of the Krishna paksha in the month of Phalguna (February/March). It is the most significant annual observance in the Shaiva tradition and widely observed across all Hindu traditions. The night is spent in vigil, fasting, and Shiva worship.

Significance

Maha Shivaratri marks the night when Shiva is said to have performed the Tandava — the cosmic dance of creation and destruction. It also commemorates the night of Shiva and Parvati's marriage in some traditions. The vigil through the night corresponds to the four praharas (watches) of the night — each with its own puja.