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Maha Shivratri 2021 Date and time in India

Shivratri is on Thursday, March 11
Nishita Kaal (night) Puja Time is from 12:06 AM to 12:55 AM on March 12
Shivaratri Parana Time is from 6:34 AM to 3:02 PM on March 12
Shivratri first prahar puja time is from 6:27 PM to 9:29 PM on March 12
Shivratri second prahar puja time is from 9:29 PM to 12:31 AM on March 12
Shivratri third prahar puja time is from 12:31 AM to 03:32 AM on March 12
Shivratri fourth prahar puja time is from 3:32 AM to 06:34 AM on March 12
Chaturdashi tithi or time begins at 2:39 PM on March 11 and ends at 3:02 PM on March 12.

Maha Shivratri Puja Vidhi

Fasting on Maha Shivratri is a very old tradition. Devotees take a holy dip in the river on Shivratri and visit a nearby Shiva temple for darshan and puja. The next day, an abhishek (bathing Shiva idols) is performed in temples. The abhishek is performed using different thimgs like milk, rose water, sandalwood paste, yogurt, honey, ghee, sugar and water. Devotees also a mix of all these items on the Shivling while chanting mantras.

Various items like the bilipatra and dhatura flowers and several kinds of fruits are offered. Devotees fast for the entire day; some do eat fruits and coconut water. Some devotees do nirjala upvaas or fasting without drinking water.

Puja for Maha Shibratri is done in all the four prahars through the night. Prahar referes to the different times of the day. In India, a day is divided into Ashta Prahar or eight three-hour periods.