Mahashivratri is just around the corner what could be better than taking a trip to celebrate the auspicious occasion at places where the festival is celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm?
Consider booking Events and Festival Tour Packages that cover the best places to celebrate Mahashivratri 2026, like Kashi Vishwanath in Varanasi, Somnath Jyotirlinga in Gujarat, Mahakaleshwar in Ujjain, and Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar, and immerse yourself in the divine festivities during this holy period.
For those of you who are not aware of the festival and its grandeur, let us back up a little and tell you the history and significance of Mahashivratri, so it becomes a little easier for you to understand why devotees give so much importance to this festival.
- Maha Shivratri Date: 15 Feb, 2026, 5:04 pm to 16 Feb, 2026, 5:34 pm
Why Do We Celebrate Mahashivratri?
Mahashivratri is celebrated on the 14th day of the dark fortnight in the Phalgun month, as per the Hindu Lunar calendar.
Now, why do we celebrate Mahashivratri? Lord Shiva has millions of devotees all over the world, and this day, as the name suggests, is the celebration of Lord Shiva.
As per legend, there are several stories that revolve around why we celebrate Mahashivratri. Some people are of the view that on the day of Mahashivratri, Maa Parvati and Lord Shiva tied the knot, and the festival is celebrated annually to celebrate their holy union.
Others say that it is on this day that Lord Shiva drank the poison from the ocean to save mankind from all negativities and evil energies, after which he came to be known as Nil Kanth.
Similarly, there are more stories associated with its celebration. Whatever may be the reason, we are here to celebrate the very existence of Lord Shiva and everything that he has done for all mankind.
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Where to Go on Mahashivratri 2026?
Wondering Where is Maha Shivratri celebrated in India? Here are the best places to visit on
Mahashivratri 2026:
- Isha Yoga Center: Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu
- Shree Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple: Veraval, Gujarat
- Kashi Vishwanath Temple: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
- Lokanatha Temple: Puri, Odisha
- Nageshwar Jyotirlinga: Dwarka, Gujarat
- Tilbhandeshwar Temple: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
- Bhootnath Temple: Mandi, Himachal Pradesh
- Srisaila Mallikarjuna Temple: Andhra Pradesh
- Mahakaleshwar Temple: Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh
- Matangeshwar Temple: Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh
- Bhavnath Taleti: Junagadh, Gujarat
- Umananda Temple: Guwahati Assam
- Nilkanth Mahadev Temple: Haridwar, Uttarakhand
- Magh Mela Sangam: Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh
- Gufa Wala Mandir: Preet Vihar, Delhi
- Lingaraj Temple: Bhubaneshwar
1. Isha Yoga Center: Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu
Are you aware of the Adi Yogi Statue? The Adi Yogi statue is a 112-foot-tall statue of Lord Shiva made of steel and is considered to be the largest bust sculpture in the world at the Isha Yoga Center in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu.
This Yoga Center is one of the best places in India to celebrate Mahashivratri, which includes music, dance performances, and all-night-long satsang with Sadhguru himself.
Lord Shiva’s devotees are seen fasting the entire day, and they pray all night long, asking for forgiveness and getting their wishes fulfilled. It is believed that the fasting of devotees makes Lord Shiva very happy.
2. Shree Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple: Veraval, Gujarat
There are a total of 12 Jyotirlingas in India, one of which is the Somnath Temple, located in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat.
On the day of Mahashivratri, the Somnath Temple is decorated with LED lights and flowers, which will be a treat to the eyes. A large crowd gathers here to celebrate the festival, and LED lights are used for live darshan and Shiv Puja.
Priests of the Somnath Temple are seen doing abhishekas of the Shiv Ling with honey, sugar, milk, yoghurt, ghee, and water. Enjoy the spiritual vibe all around you at the Somnath Temple, which makes it one of the best places to celebrate Mahashivratri at Jyotirlinga temples.
Suggested Read: Top Tourist Places in Gujarat India: Must-See Attractions
3. Kashi Vishwanath Temple: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Best places to celebrate Mahashivratri in North India include Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi. On the day of Mahashivratri, the temple is beautifully decorated with lights, diyas, and flowers, and Ganga Aarti is something you can't miss. A large crowd gathers here to celebrate the festival with night-long pujas and grand celebrations.
Suggested Read: Discover the Soul of India: Places to Visit in Varanasi
4. Lokanatha Temple: Puri, Odisha
The Loknatha Temple in Puri, Odisha, is said to be one of the most important places among the devotees of Shiva because it is believed that Lord Shiva himself mounted the Linga in the Loknatha Temple, which explains why the temple is so famous.
The most fascinating part about this place is that the Shiva Linga is kept under the water throughout the year, and is taken out of the water just 3 days before Mahashivratri. This water is removed for the linga’s divulgence, making it the best place to celebrate Mahashivratri in India.
Suggested Read: 23 Best Places To Visit In Odisha For Travelers
5. Nageshwar Jyotirlinga: Dwarka, Gujarat
Head to one of the best Mahashivratri 2026 celebration in India, located in Devbhoomi Dwarka, Gujarat, which attracts a huge crowd of devotees of Shiva.
The Mahashivratri celebrations at Nageshwar Jyotirlinga include prayers, devotion, chanting of mantras, and bhajans. You can feel the positive vibe all around you, and the pretty views as the temple is decorated with lights and fresh flowers.
Priests perform the abhisheka of the Shiva Linga with honey, milk, yoghurt, water, sugar, and ghee, and devotees observe a day-long fast and spend the day praying and meditating.
Nageshwar Jyotirlinga has great spiritual energy that fills the place with a positive atmosphere; no wonder it is one of the best places to celebrate Mahashivratri.
- Darshan Timings: 6 am - 12:30 pm; 5 pm - 9 pm
Location: 6XV9+P95, Ghanshyam Nagar, Dwarka, Gujarat 361335, India
6. Tilbhandeshwar Temple: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Varanasi is a religious town where spirituality lies in the air, so you can imagine the level of grandeur of the festival.
The vibe in Tilbhandeshwar Varanasi is so cool that you are surely going to love the idea that you decided to celebrate Mahashivratri here. It is believed to re-ratify the holy union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
Varanasi is among the very few places where you can see people drinking bhang and thandai and dancing in the procession. Tilbhandeshwar Temple is one of the best places to celebrate Mahashivratri in Varanasi.
Suggested Read: 14 Best Things to Do in Varanasi: A Detailed Guide
7. Bhootnath Temple: Mandi, Himachal Pradesh
Another beautiful place to celebrate Mahashivratri amidst the mountains is the small town of Mandi in Himachal Pradesh.
Once you have reached Mandi, head to the Bhoothnath Temple, which hosts the festival of Mahashivratri, and the most fascinating thing about this place is the story behind it.
According to legends. Almost 5 centuries back, an imperial family of Mandi started a week-long custom of organizing a fair on the auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri, and till date the Fair is celebrated by the Indians, and foreign tourists are also seen enjoying the fair. Some of the best Mahashivratri Events that take place here.
Explore various Himachal Tour Packages to enjoy the best Shivratri experience.
8. Srisaila Mallikarjuna Temple: Andhra Pradesh
Another temple on our list of best places to celebrate Mahashivratri in South India is the Srisaila Mallikarjuna Temple, which is among the 12 Jyotirlingas in India.
It is said that the wedding of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati took place on the day of Mahashivratri, and it is also believed that Lord Shiva performed the Shiv Tandav on this day.
Suggested Read: 35 Most Popular Places To Visit In South India
9. Mahakaleshwar Temple: Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh
Another Jyotirlinga, the Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain, is one of the best places to celebrate Mahashivratri, as the festival is celebrated on the banks of the River Kshipra.
As per the folk tales, there was a demon, called Dushana, who tortured the people of Avanti, and Lord Shiva appeared from the ground and defeated the demon.
As a gesture of being grateful, the people of Avanti requested Lord Shiva to take up an enduring home in Avanti, and hence the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga came into existence.
Mahakaleshwar is among the best places to celebrate Mahashivratri in Ujjain.
Suggested Read: 12 Best Places to Visit Near Mahakal Temple - Ujjain
10. Matangeshwar Temple: Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh
If you wish to experience the best Mahashivratri celebration in India, where a large crowd gathers and takes dips, then you can head to Matangeshwar Temple in Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh. Khajuraho is the place that makes India one of the oldest countries in the world.
You can see a large number of people taking dips in the Sagar tank in the belief to wash away their sins.
Take part in the 10-day-long fair, which can be visited by people from all age groups, who come here to pray and seek forgiveness and blessings from their Lord, making it one of the best places to celebrate Mahashivratri.
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11. Bhavnath Taleti: Junagadh, Gujarat
Bhavnath Taleti is said to be one of the best places in India for Mahashivratri because of its stunning Gir Forest Views from the top of Girnar Parvat.
During the time of Mahashivratri, Junagadh attracts hundreds of devotees of Lord Shiva for the Shivratri Mela. Junagadh is home to several Sadhus who were seen here during the time of Mahashivratri.
The fair starts 5 days prior to the festival and concludes with its last day on Mahashivratri.
Enjoy the Mahashivratri 2026 celebration amidst the Sadhus and experience the unique culture. You can also enjoy mountain climbing here if adventure is what you like.
12. Umananda Temple: Guwahati Assam
If you wish to watch another best Mahashivratri celebration in India, then head straight to Umananda Temple in Guwahati, Assam.
The Umananda Temple is situated on Peacock Island amidst a tranquil environment, attracting many devotees from all corners of the country to be a part of the outstanding fiesta. It is one of the best places to visit on Shivaratri.
Suggested Read: Best Places to See in Assam: Top 10 Must-See Destinations
13. Nilkanth Mahadev Temple: Haridwar, Uttarakhand
Haridwar and Rishikesh are said to be places where the holy spirit is present in the atmosphere, and during the time of Mahashivratri, the place has a completely different vibe.
Haridwar is one of the best places to celebrate Mahashivratri, known for its ghats, Ganga Aarti, and prayers at Har Ki Pauri.
Devotees head to the Nilkanth Mahadev Temple during the time of Mahashivratri to seek blessings. Plan your Uttarakhand Trip ahead, so that you can also indulge in adventure activities here, including river rafting, bungee jumping, and other activities as well.
Suggested Read: 13 Places To Visit In Uttarakhand In 2026
14. Magh Mela Sangam: Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh
Want to experience the biggest Mahashivratri celebration in India? Participate in the Magh Mela held from January 3 to February 15, 2026.
Thousands of devotees head to Allahabad to take dips in the holy water of the Ganges to wash away their sins, and what could be a better time than the auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri?
15. Gufa Wala Mandir: Preet Vihar, Delhi
If you’re wondering where to go on Shivratri in Delhi, Gufa Wala Mandir is the best choice! Located in the heart of East Delhi, Gufa Wala Mandir, also known as Shiv Mandir Gufa Wala, is a peaceful place for devotees and spiritual seekers.
It is one of the best Maha Shivratri Temples in Delhi NCR, famous for its unique cave-like structure and calm atmosphere, providing a quiet escape from the busy city life.
16. Lingaraj Temple: Bhubaneswar
Looking for Mahashivratri celebration near me in Bhubaneswar? Head to Lingaraj Temple, the city's oldest and largest Shiva temple.
Thousands of devotees gather here for grand celebrations, night-long rituals, special decorations, and the iconic raising of the Maha Deepa. Experience the spiritually vibrant festivities dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Suggested Read: 15 Popular Things to Do in Bhubaneswar: The Best Guide!
Best Places To Celebrate Mahashivratri: Final Thoughts
Mahashivratri is a beautiful festival that brings devotees together to celebrate Lord Shiva's divine glory.
From the sacred Jyotirlingas like Somnath and Mahakaleshwar to the spiritual vibes of Varanasi and the grand celebrations at Isha Yoga Center, India offers countless destinations to experience this holy occasion.
Whether you seek blessings at ancient temples or want to join vibrant melas, these best places to celebrate Mahashivratri promise unforgettable spiritual experiences filled with devotion and joy.
