Mahashivratri 2026: Date, Worship, and Spiritual Significance
- The Tradition of 'Mahanisha': Cultural Meaning of Shiva-Parvati Marriage and Tandava
- Fasting, Night Vigils, and Self-Discipline: The Practice of the Path of Devotion
Religious Freedom and a Scientific Perspective: Justice Markandey Katju's Opinion
Mahashivaratri, being celebrated on February 15, 2026, commemorates the sacred marriage of Lord Shiva and Parvati and Shiva's Tandava. Justice Markandey Katju appealed to all communities for mutual good wishes and harmony in the spirit of religious freedom, scientific perspective, and 'Suleh-e-Kul'….
Mahashivaratri
By Justice Markandey KatjuToday, 15th February 2026, is Mahashivaratri ( in brief called Shivaratri ), a major Hindu festival, celebrating the marriage of Lord Shiva and Parvati
It commemorates the 'Great Night of Lord Shiva' when Shiva married Parvati, and when Lord Shiva performed the Tandav dance. On this occasion, Hindu devotees do puja ( prayers ), observe strict fasting, night long vigil, and seek spiritual growth and self-discipline.
On this day I appeal to all non-Hindus, particularly in the Indian subcontinent, to send their Shivaratri greetings to their Hindu brothers and sisters, just as I appeal to all non-Muslims to send their greetings to their Muslim brothers and sisters on the Holy month of Ramadan, which is commencing on 17th February this year.
I am an atheist, and regard all religions as superstitions, the truth lying in science ( which is never final but constantly developing )
At the same time, I respect all religions and am a strong supporter of religious freedom.
Many people ask me how can I respect religions when I call them superstitions? Is this not a contradiction? Am I not being a hypocrite? So let me explain.
I see the cultural and ethical side of religions, not their metaphysical side. Also, religion has given poor people ( who constitute the vast majority, particularly in underdeveloped countries like those in the Indian subcontinent ) psychological support and succour. Their lives are so miserable that they would go mad had it not been for religion.
I have kept one day 'roza' during Ramadan for the last 30 years or so. I go to Hindu temples, Muslim dargahs, Christian churches, and Sikh gurdwaras to show respect to all religions
I am a humble disciple of the great Mughal Emperor Akbar, who proclaimed his doctrine of 'Suleh-e-Kul' or giving equal respect to all religions
India is a country with tremendous diversity, and so to keep it united and on the path of progress, the only correct policy is that of our great Emperors Ashok and Akbar, who gave equal respect to all religions
(Justice Markandey Katju is a former Judge of the Supreme Court of India, and former Chairman of the Press Council of India. The views expressed are his own.)
