The Maha Shivaratri is an important Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Shiva, translating into “The Great Night of Shiva”. In 2025, it will be seen on 26 February. Devotees across India and attached to various rituals all over the world, fasting is a central exercise. This article provides detailed insights into fasting rules, appropriate time to break fasting, and required dos and donts during Maha Shivaratri 2025.
According to the Drick Panchang, Shivaratri Parana Time – 06:48 am to 08:54 pm, 27 February

Importance of fasting on Maha Shivaratri

Fasting food during Maha Shivaratri is more than a ritual indecency; This is a spiritual effort that aims to purify the body and mind. This practice increases concentration during prayer and meditation, promotes a deep relationship with Lord Shiva. Fasting is a symbol of self-restraint, discipline and devotion, supports devotees in overcoming ignorance and darkness in his life.

Type of fasting

Devotees can choose from different types of fasting based on their health and spiritual inclination:

• Neerajla fast: A strict fast where one day and night avoids food and water.
• Phalhar fast: Consuming specific foods like fruits, milk and nuts, providing nutrition while maintaining the sanctity of fasting.
• Partial fasting: Devotees avoid certain foods such as grains, pulses, and regular salt, instead foods prepared with fasting materials such as a type of grain flour (kuttu), tapioca (Sabdana), and rock salt (sanded salt) to chose.

Break up

A ritual traditionally breaks in the morning after bathing and prayer. In order to get full spiritual benefits, it is recommended to break fasting between sunrise and the end of Chaturdashi Tithi.

To consume foods

During fasting, devotees are encouraged to consume sattvic (pure) foods that help maintain spiritual attention:

• Fruit: Bananas, apples, papas and pomegranate.
• Dairy products: Milk, yogurt, and cheese.
• root vegetables: Potatoes, sweet potato, and pumpkin.
• Flour: A type of grain (kuttu) and water chestnut (Sinhara) flour.
• nuts and seeds: Almonds, walnuts, and watermelon seeds.
• Beverage: Coconut water, herbal tea, and fresh fruit juice.

It is appropriate to use rock salt (deserted salt) instead of regular table salt in preparation for food.

Food to escape

To maintain the sanctity of fasting, some foods must be avoided:

• Cereal: Wheat, rice and lentils.
• vegetables: Onion, garlic, and mushrooms.
• Spices: Turmeric and mustard seeds.
• Non-vegetarian food: Meat, fish and eggs.
• Processed and packed foods: Chips, cookies and fast food.
• Regular table salt: Instead choose the option of rock salt.

Avoiding these items helps to maintain the purity and purpose of fasting.

DOS and Dons during Maha Shivratri Fast

DOS:

• Early: To purify the body, start with a bath preferably during Brahma Muhurta (two hours before sunrise).
• VOW (VOW): Pledge to inspect fasting with dedication and seek the blessings of Lord Shiva.
• Regular Prasad: Worship Shiva Lingam regularly by offering bilva leaves, milk, honey and fruits.
• Mantra Chanting: To maintain spiritual attention, recite “Om Namah Shivaya” and other Shiva mantras throughout the day.
• Attention: Attention to attain mental peace and connect with divine.

No:

• Consumption of prohibited foods: Grain, non-vegetarian food, onion, garlic and regular salt should be avoided.
• Use of some offerings: Avoid offering items such as Vermilian (Kumkum), coconut water and basil, as they are not traditionally accepted.
• Full parikrama: Do not demonstrate a full circumference around the Shiva Lingam; Instead, make a half-cycle as determined.
• Negative emotions: Explain anger, jealousy, and other negative feelings to maintain the sanctity of fasting.
• Sleep during the day: It is customary to wake up during the night of Mahashkari, attached to prayer and meditation.

Following these guidelines ensures spiritually rich experience during Maha Shivaratri. By following the prescribed DOS and Dons, and understanding the importance of rituals, anyone can completely embrace the spiritual essence of this auspicious day.

(This article means only for your general information. Zee News does not pledge for its accuracy or credibility.)