When is Mahashivaratri 2023? Date, time, importance and food to be eaten during fasting

As we bid goodbye to winter and welcome spring with open arms, it’s definitely a great time to celebrate. The spring season is marked by several festivals in India including Basant Panchami and others. Mahashivaratri is also one such festival which is celebrated by the devotees with great fervor and enthusiasm. Translated as ‘The Great Night of Shiva’, the day holds special significance among Hindus who worship Lord Shiva. Although there are many Shivratris throughout the year, but Mahashivratri has special importance and there are many reasons for it. Here’s all you need to know about the festival, the time to worship Lord Shiva, its significance and why it is celebrated, and what you can eat if you are fasting on the day.

mahashivratri 2023 date | When is Mahashivaratri 2023?

Mahashivaratri is celebrated on the fourteenth day (Chaturdashi) of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Phalgun according to the Hindu calendar. This year, Mahashivaratri is falling on February 18, 2023, which is a Saturday.

(Also Read: Happy Mahashivratri: Importance of offering Belpatra in Shivratri,

Mahashivaratri Puja Timings | When to worship on Mahashivaratri 2023?

Devotees can follow the following timings for Mahashivratri 2023:

Nishita Kaal Puja Timings – 12:09 AM to 01:00 AM, Feb 19

Duration – 00 hrs 51 min

Shivratri Paran time on February 19 – 06:56 AM to 03:24 PM

Night First Prahar Puja Time – 06:13 PM to 09:24 PM

Ratri Second Prahar Puja Timings – 09:24 PM to 12:35 AM, Feb 19

Ratri Tritiya Prahar Puja Timings – 12:35 AM to 03:46 AM, Feb 19

Ratri Chaturth Prahar Puja Time – 03:46 AM to 06:56 AM, February 19

Chaturdashi date starts – 18 February 2023 at 08:02 pm

Chaturdashi date ends – 19 February 2023 at 04:18 pm

Source: drikpanchang.com

Significance of Mahashivaratri 2023 | Why is Mahashivaratri 2023 celebrated?

There are many legends associated with why Mahashivaratri is celebrated. A legend tells that Mahashivaratri was the night when Lord Shiva performed his ‘Tandava dance’ or the heavenly dance of creation, destruction and preservation. Some others also say that Mahashivaratri was when Lord Shiva married Goddess Parvati.

(Also Read: Mahashivratri: Why milk plays an important role in this festival,

_{There are many legends associated with Mahashivratri. Photo: iStock}

Meditation and spirituality have a special role in this festival. On this day, devotees visit temples and chant the name of Lord Shiva. Milk is poured on the ‘Shiva Linga’ in the temple and decorated with ‘Bael’ leaves to please the Lord and seek his blessings. Fruits, sandalwood paste and sugar are also offered to the Lord to please him.

Mahashivaratri 2023 Fasting Rituals | Foods to eat during Mahashivratri fast

On Mahashivratri, some devotees may also observe a day-long fast as a form of penance to Lord Shiva. Some people consume only fruits like plum, apple and banana along with milk during this time. mahashivratri fast, while others may observe a strict ‘Nirjala’ fast without consuming even a drop of water for the entire day. However, these fasts are not recommended for the sick, the elderly or pregnant women.

Devotees can also have light vegetarian or ‘satvik’ food on the day of their Mahashivaratri fast. According to Drikpanchang.com, the fasting people should have only one meal on the day before the festival. Next morning, they should take ‘Sankalp’ or take a vow to fast for the whole day on Mahashivaratri and break the fast only after sunset or sunrise the next day.

(Also Read: Mahashivratri 2022: 5 Kheer Recipes For Your Vrat Menu,

_{Sabudana can be included in Mahashivaratri 2023 fast. Photo: iStock}

You can eat different types of food items on the day of Mahashivratri. Sabudana is one such ingredient which can definitely be a part of your Mahashivratri menu. Click here For some Sabudana recipe for Mahashivaratri. You can also indulge in sattvic, fasting-friendly dishes like buckwheat puri, samak rice and makhana kheer.

Here’s wishing all our readers a very happy Mahashivaratri 2023!