Maha Shivaratri is an annual Hindu festival commemorating the god Shiva. The name also alludes to the night when Shiva performs the divine dance known as Tandava.
On the day before the new moon in each month of the luni-solar Hindu calendar, there is a Shivaratri, or "night of Shiva." But once a year, this night is referred to as "Maha Shivaratri" or "the Great Night of Shiva" and occurs in late winter or early spring (February or March). According to the South Indian Hindu calendar, this day is in the month of Magha.
It is a significant Hindu festival, and this festival is solemn and commemorates "overcoming darkness and ignorance" in life and the world. It is observed by remembering Shiva and chanting prayers, fasting, and meditating on ethics and virtues such as honesty, charity, forgiveness, and Shiva's discovery. Dedicated devotees stay awake all night. They call it as "Jagarani", Others go on pilgrimage to Jyotirlingas or to Shiva temples.
The South Indian calendar observes Maha Shivaratri on Chaturdashi Tithi during Krishna Paksha in the month of Magha, while other parts of India observe it on the 13/14 night of Krishna Paksha in the month of Phalguna of the Hindu calendar, with the Gregorian date remaining the same.
Date: 14th day of māgha māsa (amānta) Krishna Paksha
Significance: self study, remembering Shiva, overcoming darkness and ignorance
Observances: Fasting, yoga, jagran all night
Observed by: Hindus
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