Best Mahashivratri Celebration in India

Known For : Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple Ganga Aarti, Varanasi Assi Ghat

The spiritual capital of India, Varanasi has one of the most important Shiva temples in the country and hence it’s quite natural that Maha Shivaratri is celebrated in Varanasi a grand manner. Mahashivaratri in Varanasi sees more than a million Hindus from all over India come to the famous Shiva temple and perform rituals; many of them stay on fast. The wedding procession of Shiva In Varanasi, several temples organize a wedding baaraat where a lot of people play the role of different Gods and Goddesses. The preparation starts early in the morning with the committee choosing the right character for the parade. After the preparation, a parade starts which goes in southern part of the city and finally ends at the Tilbhandeshwar temple where it typically starts from. The procession lasts roughly about 5 hours and it is celebrated with loud music in the background and people consuming Bhaang (a form of marijuana legal and common in Varanasi) and dancing in the procession. As marijuana is considered as the blessing of Lord Shiva, a lot of people do it here for religious reasons. After the procession, everyone returns back to the temple, offers their prayers and perform rituals.

Best Time: October to March

43 Varanasi Attractions

Known For : Har Ki Pauri Maa Mansa Devi Temple Ganga Aarti Sthal

The land of Yogis, Haridwar is another good place for Mahashivaratri and it is famous for its temples and ghats where pilgrims bathe to relieve themselves of their sins. A lot of pilgrims flock to Haridwar to take a dip in the Har Ki Pauri. Apart from this, tourists can also visit various other temples, enjoy cafes in Rishikesh, take a walk on the Lakshman Jhula and enjoy river rafting in Rishikesh. A lot of adventure activities have also gained popularity in Rishikesh including Bungee Jumping.

Best Time: Throughout the year

36 Haridwar Attractions

Known For : Triveni Ghat Rafting in Rishikesh Lakshman Jhula

Situated along the convergence of Ganga and Chandrabhaga, Rishikesh on the foothills of Himalayas is the hub of many ancient temples, popular cafes, yoga ashrams and adventure sports. Rishikesh is the most beautiful blend of spiritual and adrenaline pumping experiences. With Whitewater Rafting industry growing and a number of camping and cafe spots springing up, Rishikesh has grown immensely as a favourite, catering to people with different needs. Be a part of the royal Mahashivratri celebrations held in Haridwar and Rishikesh.

Best Time: Throughout the year

54 Rishikesh Attractions

Known For : Prashar Lake Trek Bhutnath temple Pandoh Dam

The Temple of Bhootnath at Mandi in Himachal Pradesh is said to host the biggest Shivaratri Celebration in the country. The royal family of Mandi started the tradition some 500 years ago and now a week-long International Mandi Shivratri Fair is held here every year and it attracts a lot of tourists from all over the country and even abroad. Every year on Shivratri Festival, the Governor of the state leads a Shobha Yatra at a function inaugurated by the Chief Minister.

Best Time: April to October

18 Mandi Attractions

Known For : Srikalahasteeswara Temple Veyilingala Kona Waterfall Sri Subrahmanya Swamy Temple

Festival of Shivaratri is observed with extreme enthusiasm in the state of Andhra Pradesh. Devotees throng the various important Shiva temples in the state mainly Sri Kalahasteshwara Temple at Srikalahasti and the Bharamarambha Malikarjunaswamy Temple at Srisailam. Devotees also observe fast and chant mantras in honour of Lord Shiva to mark the auspicious festival.

Best Time: July to March

9 Srikalahasti Attractions

Known For : Pathala Ganga Srisailam Tiger Reserve Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple

Srisailam is a celebrated hill town set on a lofty natural setting on the banks of the River Krishna, in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh. Srisailam is identified with its many ancient temples including a Jyotirlinga, a wildlife sanctuary and a dam. The Mahashivratri celebrations in the ancient temples Srikalahasti and Srisailam reflects of the authenticity Indian culture.

Best Time: October to February

16 Srisailam Attractions

Known For : Umananda Temple Maa Kamakhya Temple Guwahati Zoo (Assam State Zoo)

In the North-Eastern state of Assam, the hub of Shivratri celebrations is at the Umananda Temple, situated on the Peacock Island in the middle of Brahmaputra river in Guwahati, the capital of Assam. Thousands of Shiva devotees from all over the country pay a visit to the temple on the occasion of Shivaratri. Sibsagar, the capital of the erstwhile Ahom kings, is the other major centre of Mahashivaratri celebrations in Assam.

Best Time: October to April

34 Guwahati Attractions

Known For : Talatal Ghar Rang Ghar Ahom Museum

Dating back to the Ahom dynasty, this cultural town is full of historic tourist attractions from forts with underground architecture to numerous temples. Sibsagar is a state of Assam that provides various tourist attractions related to architectural marvels, history and culture. Get immersed in the divine Mahashivratri puja conducted in Guwahati and Sivasagar.

Best Time: October to March

9 Sibsagar Attractions

Known For : Light and Sound Show, Khajuraho Dulhadev Temple Kandariya Mahadev Temple

Shivaratri is celebrated with religious fervour in the state of Madhya Pradesh. As a tradition, people in Madhya Pradesh take a holy dip in Sagar tank on the occasion of Mahashivaratri in Khajuraho. Bundelkhand Region, which has a stronghold of Shaivites hosts the biggest Shivaratri celebrations in the state. A large number of Lord Shiva devotees flock the Matangeshwar Temple and worship throughout the night. The highpoint of the Shivaratri celebrations at the Matangeshwar Temple is the 10-day-long fair that witness the participation of traders, peddlers and gipsies from other parts of the state. Display of traditional fare and a variety of handicrafts besides the rural circus show, magic shows, folk theatre, and merry-go-rounds add to the excitement. Mahashivaratri in Ujjain is concentrated around Mahakaleshwar temple and it also witnesses a lot of devotees from all over the country for the Shivaratri festival.

Best Time: July to March

25 Khajuraho Attractions

Known For : Shri Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple Shree Harsiddhi Mata Shaktipeeth Temple Shri Ram Ghat

Ujjain, considered to be one of the holiest cities of India, is an ancient city situated on the eastern bank of the Shipra River in the Malwa region. Ujjain is one of the four sites for the Kumbh Mela, the largest peace gathering on the planet that attracts 100 million people to the festival. It is indeed a bliss to be part of the serene Mahashivratri celebrations.

Best Time: October to March

31 Ujjain Attractions

Known For : Raghurajpur Artist Village Sri Jagannath Puri Temple Puri Beach Markandeswara Temple

Shivaratri celebration at Lokanath Temple, Puri is also quite popular. According to a legend popular in Orissa, long ago, Puri was a centre of Shiva worship. The story goes, Lord Ramachandra, himself installed the Lingam in the Lokanath Temple. This lingam is kept submerged, in a vat of water. It can only be seen on Pankodhar Ekadasi, before Shivaratri, when the water is removed from the vat. On that day, thousands of devotees come for darshan.

Best Time: July to March

29 Puri Attractions