Maha Shivratri 2024: Know the Date, Timing, and Importance of the Festival
Maha Shivaratri, a predominantly Hindu festival, honors Lord Shiva and is celebrated every year as the great night of the deity's marriage. Falling on March 8, 2024, this auspicious day marks an important event in Hinduism, in which devotees pray to Lord Shiva for his blessings.
Maha Shivaratri, a predominantly Hindu festival, honors Lord Shiva and is celebrated every year as the great night of the deity's marriage. Falling on March 8, 2024, this auspicious day marks an important event in Hinduism, in which devotees pray to Lord Shiva for his blessings.
According to Panchang, Mahashivratri is celebrated on Chaturdashi Tithi of Krishna Paksha in Falgun month. On this special occasion, worshipers fast and engage in religious rituals to pay homage to Mahadev. Astrologer Dr. Central Sanskrit University, Puri. Ganesh Mishra states that Falgun Krishna Chaturdashi Tithi will start on March 8 at 9:57 PM and end on March 9 at 06:17 PM. The auspicious time for Nishita Kal Puja on Mahashivratri on March 8 is from 12:07 AM to 12:56 AM, though devotees can worship Lord Shiva throughout the day.
Savan Shivratri, occurring during the auspicious month of Savan dedicated to Lord Shiva, is another significant event in the Hindu calendar. In 2024, Sawan Shivratri will begin on July 22 and end on August 19. During this time, devotees traditionally visit holy rivers for ritual bathing and offer prayers to Lord Shiva.
The calendar of monthly Shivratri dates for 2024 is as follows:
January 9, 2024, Tuesday - Posh Monthly Shivratri
February 8, 2024, Thursday - Magha monthly Shivratri
March 8, 2024, Friday – Maha Shivratri, Falgun Shivratri
April 7, 2024, Sunday - Chaitra monthly Shivratri
May 6, 2024, Monday – Baisakh monthly Shivratri
June 4, 2024, Tuesday - Jyeshtha Monthly Shivratri
July 4, 2024, Thursday - Ashadha monthly Shivratri
August 2, 2024, Friday - Shravan monthly Shivratri
September 1, 2024, Sunday - Bhadrapad Monthly Shivratri
September 30, 2024, Monday – Ashwin month Shivratri
October 30, 2024, Wednesday - Kartak Monthly Shivratri
November 29, 2024, Friday - Margashirsha Monthly Shivratri
This comprehensive schedule allows devotees to plan their worship and observances throughout the year, aligning with the various monthly Shivratri celebrations.