Maha Shivaratri
The night Shiva performed the Tandava, the cosmic dance of creation and destruction. Devotees fast all day and stay awake all night, chanting "Om Namah Shivaya" in temples that stay open until dawn. Bael leaves are offered to the Shiva lingam, and the offering is always three leaves, never two, never four. The night belongs to Shiva, and the devotees belong to the night. . 2026: Feb 15. 2027: Mar 5.