INDIA, February 12, 2026 (Hindu Tone): Maha Shivaratri, the “Great Night of Lord Shiva,” is one of Hinduism’s most sacred festivals. Devotees across India, Nepal, Mauritius, Indonesia, the Caribbean, Southeast Asia, Africa, Europe, North America and the Pacific unite in fasting, meditation, night-long vigils (jaagaran), mantra chanting of “Om Namah Shivaya” and abhishekam rituals using milk, water, panchamrit and bilva leaves. India remains the spiritual epicenter, with grand observances in Varanasi’s Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Ujjain’s Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, Kedarnath, Amarnath and Tamil Nadu’s great temples featuring music and dance traditions. Nepal’s Pashupatinath Temple hosts massive gatherings of sadhus and pilgrims, while Mauritius sees hundreds of thousands walk to Ganga Talao in a powerful expression of diaspora devotion.
Across the globe, the festival reflects rich cultural diversity while preserving core Shaivite traditions. Bali blends Sivaratri meditation with local temple arts; Trinidad & Tobago, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore, the UK, the USA, Canada, South Africa and Fiji sustain vibrant community observances through bhajans, discourses, youth programs and increasingly digital participation via livestreams and virtual rituals. Alongside traditional practices, eco-friendly initiatives and online celebrations highlight how Maha Shivaratri continues to evolve in modern times. Ultimately, the festival stands as a timeless, borderless expression of Sanatana Dharma—uniting millions in a shared night of devotion, transformation, and inner awakening.
For a definitive global guide exploring country-wise Maha Shivaratri traditions, rituals, temples, and modern observances, see source.
https://hindutone.com/maha-shivaratri-2026/maha-shivaratri-2026-global-celebrations-country-wise-traditions/
and for just USA events:
https://hindutone.com/global-hindu-presence/usa/maha-shivaratri-2026-in-usa/