Mahashivaratri, “The Great Night of Shiva,” is the most significant event in India’s spiritual calendar. (Isha)

Shivaratri is celebrated on the fourteenth day of every lunar month or the day before the new moon. Among  all the 12 Shivaratri, the one that occurs between February and March is the most spiritually significant. According to the Hindu calendar, Mahashivratri comes on Magha month according to the lunar calendar or according to the solar calendar it would fall on the month Makara (Solar Months are also referred as civil months and Makara month falls the second last month of the year). Or if we used the standard calendar it would fall on March 11 this year.  On this night, the northern hemisphere of the planet is positioned in such a way that there is a natural upsurge of energy in a human being. This is a day when nature is pushing one towards one’s spiritual peak.(Isha) 

Scientifically, you can feel this day because our planet Earth is tilted and the moon magnitude is powerful enough to create energy. This position of the plant and the moon works with the rest of the planets and atmosphere to reflect on all the human beings and animals of the Earth who are awake. To use this we have established a tradition or holiday where we stay up all night. One of the fundamentals of this nightlong festival is to ensure that you remain awake with your spine vertical throughout the night. 

Mashashivarti is very significant to those who are on the spiritual path. People who live in family situations observe Mahashivratri as Shiva’s wedding anniversary. Those with worldly ambitions see that day as the day Shiva conquered all his enemies.

We celebrate it by having Drik Panchang mention that a day prior to the puja, devotees eat only one time. And on the day — after finishing morning rituals — they pledge to observe a full-day fast, meaning they cannot eat anything until the next day. The fasting is done not only to seek blessings from the Lord, but also for self-determination.(Maha)

On the day of Shivaratri, devotees must take a second bath in the evening, before doing the puja. Shiva puja should be done at night, and devotees can break the fast the following day, after bathing. Additionally, they must break it between sunrise and before the end of chaturdashi tithi, as per Drik Panchang.(Maha)

Place a Shiva Lingam on the puja platform. You can also make a “Makeshift Shiva Linga”. After shaping Shiva Ling, perform “Abhishek” rituals by offering milk, rose water, sandalwood paste yogurt, honey, Ghee, sugar and water to the Ling(Shiva Lingam). Offer garland made of Bilva leaves on Shiva Ling and then apply Chandan or Kumkum and show Dhup-Deepa to the Lord Shiva. Devotees can also offer flower of Madar and Vibhuti to Shiva Ling. After Shiv Ling Puja, it’s time to do dhyaan and recite Lord Shiva Mantras to seek blessing from the God.(Maha)

This is how we celebrate it and why it is important.