Recurring observance · San Francisco Bay Area

Māsik Śivarātri

Shiva 36 dates in 2026–2028
Traditions differ. What follows describes common practice, not the only correct practice. Observance varies by region, sampradāya and family, and Sri Kumar Gurukkal will follow your family’s tradition. Our editorial & ritual standards →

Why it matters

This observance centers on Shiva. Shiva worship emphasizes inner stillness, transformation, renunciation, compassion and the destruction of ignorance.

The story behind it

The day is an opportunity to remember the deity’s qualities and associated sacred stories while renewing personal devotional practice.

Prayers and worship

Common worship includes Shiva abhishekam, “Om Namah Shivaya,” Rudram/Chamakam, Mahamrityunjaya mantra, Shiva stotras and arati.

Fasting and devotional customs

Temple darshan, a simple home pooja, japa, bhajans, charity or a sattvic fast may be observed according to family and sampradaya.

What is typically offered

Water, milk where customary, bilva leaves, vibhuti, flowers, fruit and lamps are common offerings.

Visiting a temple that day

Temple practices vary by region and sampradaya. Dress modestly, remove footwear where required, follow priest/volunteer directions, ask before photography, and check the temple’s event page for exact pooja, fasting and prasādam arrangements.

Spiritual themes

Transformation, meditation, detachment, grace and spiritual renewal.

Every Māsik Śivarātri date, 2026–2027

Bay Area dates

  • 16 Jan 2026Masik Shivaratri
  • 15 Feb 2026Masik Shivaratri
  • 17 Mar 2026Masik Shivaratri
  • 15 Apr 2026Masik Shivaratri
  • 14 May 2026Masik Shivaratri
  • 13 Jun 2026Masik Shivaratri
  • 12 Jul 2026Masik Shivaratri
  • 10 Aug 2026Masik Shivaratri
  • 9 Sep 2026Masik Shivaratri
  • 8 Oct 2026Masik Shivaratri
  • 7 Nov 2026Masik Shivaratri
  • 6 Dec 2026Masik Shivaratri
  • 5 Jan 2027Masik Shivaratri
  • 4 Feb 2027Masik Shivaratri
  • 6 Mar 2027Masik Shivaratri
  • 4 Apr 2027Masik Shivaratri
  • 4 May 2027Masik Shivaratri
  • 2 Jun 2027Masik Shivaratri
  • 2 Jul 2027Masik Shivaratri
  • 31 Jul 2027Masik Shivaratri
  • 29 Aug 2027Masik Shivaratri
  • 28 Sep 2027Masik Shivaratri
  • 27 Oct 2027Masik Shivaratri
  • 26 Nov 2027Masik Shivaratri
  • 25 Dec 2027Masik Shivaratri
  • 24 Jan 2028Masik Shivaratri
  • 23 Feb 2028Masik Shivaratri
  • 22 Apr 2028Masik Shivaratri
  • 22 May 2028Masik Shivaratri
  • 20 Jun 2028Masik Shivaratri
  • 20 Jul 2028Masik Shivaratri
  • 18 Aug 2028Masik Shivaratri
  • 16 Sep 2028Masik Shivaratri
  • 16 Oct 2028Masik Shivaratri
  • 14 Nov 2028Masik Shivaratri
  • 14 Dec 2028Masik Shivaratri

Request a pooja

Ask Sri Kumar Gurukkal about a pooja for this observance — at your home, at a temple, or with family joining remotely. A request is an enquiry, not a booking.

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Every Māsik Śivarātri date in your calendar

Subscribe to just this observance and each date appears in your own calendar app, with a link back here.

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Related festivals

Maha ShivaratriArudra DarshanPanguni UthiramFull festival calendar

These are recurring observances whose dates follow the tithi at a particular moment of the day (sunrise, sunset, moonrise or midnight), computed for the Fremont / Bay Area location. The 2028 dates are computed by this site’s own engine from one rule for the whole observance, tested against every 2026–27 date. Held until confirmed with Sri Kumar Gurukkal: Masik Shivaratri. No 2028 date has been checked against a printed almanac or reviewed by Sri Kumar Gurukkal. Fasting rules and exact windows differ by lineage — please confirm with Sri Kumar Gurukkal or your family priest. How these dates are calculated →