When is Maha Shivratri being celebrated? On 15th or 16th of February? Morning and evening pooja mahurat timings

There is one very special day dedicated to Lord Shiva and is celebrated by Hindus across the world. One of the most sacred festivals of India, Maha Shivaratri falls on the Chaturdashi Tithi (14th day) of Krishna Paksha in the month of Phalguna as per the Hindu calendar. This day is dedicated to Lord Shiva. As per traditional belief, on this day Lord Shiva got married to his divine consort, Goddess Parvati. It is often said that on this day it invariably rains as the Gods shower their blessings on this special occasion, and Lord Shiva performs his iconic dance, Tandava, on the night of this day.On this day, special prasad is offered to Lord Shiva, which includes things that are normally not offered in other festivals like Aak ke Phool, Bhang, Dhatura, etc. It is said that Lord Shiva drank the poison that spilled out during Samudra Manthan, the primeval churning of the ocean, and hence the Lord is offered such unusual offerings that are considered poisonous. The Great Night of Shiva, as Maha Shivaratri is called, celebrates Shiva, the lord of otherworldly beings. On this day, devotees fast during the day and offer water and milk to the Shivalings. They offer their Lord fruits, flowers, and Chandan, as it is considered cooling, and eat or drink water only after this. It is believed that offering prayers to Shiva icons, such as the linga, on this day helps one overcome any past sins. The Hindu calendar is guided by the phases of the moon and sun, and hence there is sometimes confusion regarding the exact date and muhurat of a particular festival. According to Drik Panchang, Maha Shivaratri will be celebrated on Sunday, February 15, 2026. Maha Shivaratri is different from many other Hindu festivals because it does not follow the Udaya Tithi rule (sunrise-based date). The Chaturdashi Tithi that is in effect at night is what the festival is based on and hence this year the festival will not be celebrated on February 16.Details about TithiThe festival and night-long worship will take place on February 15 because the Chaturdashi Tithi is on that night. It would not be right to celebrate it on the night of February 16 because the Tithi will have ended by then. Four times for the Prahar Puja (Night Worship)During four prahars (quarters) of the night on Maha Shivaratri, people worship Lord Shiva. Nishita Kaal (Best Time)Parana (Ending the Fast)The Maha Shivatri puja can be performed either once or even 4 times. For best results the Puja is performed at night. Milk, sandlewood, panchamrit is offered to the Shivalinga and the path of Om Namah Shivaye should be done. The Shiva Strotam should be chanted and the fast should be broken the next day only with satvik food.