Maha Shivratri Special: IRCTC launches Sapta Jyotirlinga Darshan Yatra, how to book
IRCTC has announced a special Sapta Jyotirlinga Darshan Yatra for Maha Shivratri 2026. The 11-day tour will cover seven major Jyotirlinga temples across six states.
Maha Shivratri is one of the most sacred festivals in Hinduism, dedicated to Lord Shiva and observed with deep devotion across India and other parts of the world. Celebrated on the 14th night of the dark fortnight in the month of Phalguna, the festival symbolises the convergence of spiritual awareness, discipline, and inner transformation.
Unlike most Hindu festivals that are marked by daytime rituals and celebration, Maha Shivratri is observed through night-long prayers, fasting, and meditation. Devotees believe that staying awake on this night helps elevate consciousness and brings one closer to Lord Shiva’s energy. Temples resonate with chants of “Om Namah Shivaya”, creating an atmosphere of devotion and reflection.
Rituals include the ceremonial bathing of the Shiva Lingam with water, milk, honey, and bel leaves, each offering carrying symbolic meaning. While water represents purity, milk signifies nourishment, and bel leaves are believed to please Lord Shiva the most. Fasting on Maha Shivratri is seen as a way to practise self-control and cleanse both body and mind.
IRCTC has announced a special Sapta Jyotirlinga Darshan Yatra for Maha Shivratri 2026. The 11-day tour will cover seven major Jyotirlinga temples across six states.
On the occasion of Maha Shivratri 2025, actor couple Naga Chaitanya and Sobhita Dhulipala visited the Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy Jyotirlinga temple. A video of their outing was shared widely on social media.
One of the tableaux depicted alleged atrocities committed by Muslims against Hindu girls and included a refrigerator with dolls representing chopped-up women, visually suggesting a girl's body cut into pieces.
The Students' Federation of India (SFI) and Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) accused each other of inciting violence at Delhi’s South Asian University.
Of the 650 million devotees at the Maha Kumbh 2025 in Prayagraj, 3 million were visitors from abroad. From a sense of security and being comfortable despite a massive crowd to an overwhelming feeling of oneness, foreigners narrate their Kumbh experience. For many, the Kumbh Mela was their primer to understanding India and Indians.
On the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivratri 2025, several celebrities and Bollywood actors extended wishes to their fans and followers via social media posts. The list included Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, Varun Dhawan and others.
A 'Shivling' was stolen from the ancient Shree Bhidbhanjan Bhavaneeshvar Mahadev temple in Gujarat’s Devbhumi Dwarka district a day before Maha Shivratri, prompting a multi-agency search operation.
Shivratri is observed every month on the 14th lunar day, dedicated to Lord Shiva, while Maha Shivratri, celebrated once a year, holds special significance as it marks the divine union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Here’s a detailed explanation of both these auspicious occasions.
Like every year, Soha Ali Khan and Kunal Kemmu celebrated Herath and shared a video from the celebrations. In Jammu and Kashmir, Maha Shivratri is called Herath.
On Maha Shivratri, we delve into the cult of Shiva and how the superhero of Hindu pantheon has become urban India’s God of Cool
For the first time in over four decades, Varanasi's iconic Shiv Baraat procession will take place a day after Maha Shivratri, adjusting to the massive influx of Kumbh Mela devotees. The annual depiction of Lord Shiva's marriage ceremony is moving to February 27 to manage unprecedented crowds.
Discover the sacred rituals, fasting rules, and spiritual significance of Mahashivratri 2025. Follow this detailed guide to perform puja vidhi correctly, observe fasting with devotion, and seek Lord Shiva’s divine blessings for prosperity, health, and inner peace.
Stock markets usually operate from Monday to Friday, except on declared holidays. They remain closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
Shower the divine energy of Maha Shivratri with warm regards and strong quotes from Shiva. Bless this night of this holy festival and change hearts with the magic of Shiva's touch!
Maha Shivratri 2025: This year, as per Drik Panchang, Maha Shivratri falls on Wednesday, February 26. The special midnight worship, known as Nishita Kaal Puja, will take place from 12:09 AM to 12:59 AM on February 27. All you need to know.
March is a month of vibrant festivals across the globe. From vibrant Indian festivals to global cultural events, the month is all about joy and reunions. Here is the complete guide.
The Uttar Pradesh government on Friday said it has ramped up preparations at Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj to ensure seamless arrangements for devotees in the final significant bath on Mahashivratri which falls on February 26.
Mahakal Chalo Song: Akshay Kumar releases his new single Mahakal Chalo ahead of Maha Shivratri. Palash Sen is also a part of the song. Akshay will also portray Lord Shiva in Kannappa, set to release on April 25.
Shivaratri is the great festival of convergence of Shiva and Shakti. Chaturdashi Tithi during Krishna Paksha in the month of Magha is known as Maha Shivaratri.
This Maha Shivaratri, explore the most influential ghats of Varanasi that can provide an experience capable of changing lives forever. These sacred ghats are considered the holiest in Varanasi and have their own significance that needs to be explored.
Kseniia Chawra, a girl from Russia, came to India in search of spiritual peace—but found something more.
A "Love Jihad"-themed tableau in a Maha Shivratri procession by Bajrang Dal in Bihar’s Munger has sparked a major political controversy. The grand procession, featuring over 50 tableaux, toured the city before concluding at the Mankeshwar Nath Mahadev Temple.
As Hindu devotees around the globe celebrated Maha Shivratri with fervent prayers, bhajans, and special pujas, a historic temple in Lahore, Pakistan, also joined in the festivities. A temple India Today visited, built before the partition, welcomed devotees from early morning and continued the celebrations till late at night.
A group of devotees from Italy visited Kashi Vishwanath temple in Uttar Pradesh’s Varanasi on the occasion of Maha Shivratri. As they left after the darshan, they also chanted mantras on camera.
The Uttar Pradesh government declared that at least 55 crore devotees have taken a holy dip at the Maha Kumbh mela in Prayagraj, releasing a drone visual of lakhs of devotees taking a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam on Tuesday. The mega event, that occurs every 144 years, began on January 13 and will end on Maha Shivratri, which falls on February 26.
The big focus of this episode of Newstrack is on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Jammu and Kashmir visit that came after nearly five years of abrogation of Article 370. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday dedicated to the nation multiple development projects worth more than Rs 6,400 crore at the 'Viksit Bharat Viksit Jammu Kashmir'. The prime minister also extended his "advance wishes" for the upcoming holy month of Ramzan and Maha Shivratri, which falls on Friday.