Maha Shivratri 2024: Shivratri is observed every month on the lunisolar calendar. However, the grand celebration of Shivratri as a festival takes place once a year during the late winter months, marking the arrival of summer. This Hindu festival is marked by elaborate rituals, with each community and region having its own unique stories associated with the event. Maha Shivratri, meaning ‘the great night of Shiva,’ is believed to be the night when Shiva performs his celestial dance, known as ‘Tandav’.
Maha Shivratri 2024: Date And Timing
This year, Shivratri will be celebrated on March 8. The timings, according to Drik Panchang, are as follows:
- Chaturdashi Tithi Begins: 9:57 PM on March 8, 2024
- Chaturdashi Tithi Ends: 06:17 PM on March 9, 2024
- Nishita Kaal Puja Time: 12:07 AM to 12:56 AM, March 9
- On March 9, Shivratri Parana Time: 3:29 AM to 06:37 AM
Maha Shivratri 2024: Celebrations At Isha Foundation In Tamil Nadu
On the occasion of Maha Shivratri, Sadhguru’s Isha Foundation has organised a grand event that will be witnessed by over 140 million people. The celebration, in front of the iconic Adiyogi statue in Tamil Nadu, has become one of the most-awaited annual events in the world. This year too, the nightlong celebrations will see immersive meditation sessions guided by Sadhguru, music, and dance performances.
The grand spectacle will be broadcast from 6 PM on March 8, to 6 AM on March 9 in 22 languages worldwide on Sadhguru’s YouTube channels.
In addition,1,900 foreigners from 72 nations will be participating in this programme. Devotees interested to participate in the event can register online for the Maha Shivratri event and volunteering. Registration desks and overseas volunteer coordination teams will assist devotees with smooth travel and stay.
Recently, a video was shared on Instagram by the Isha Foundation, delivering Maha Shivratri greetings in 22 languages. “If you are joining Maha Shivratri celebrations from home, you can listen to them in your language! 22 different simultaneous translations of the live stream will be available online for you to experience the magic of Maha Shivratri in your native tongue [sic],” the caption reads.
Sharing her excitement about Maha Shivratri, Elena, a devotee from the US shared with ABP Live: “What I am excited about Maha Shivratri was that this was the first time I came to India and I came straight to the ashram. I am learning so much about the culture, and the festivals and experiencing all of this for the first time. For me, Shiva is a possibility and a representation of something we can all strive to become in the human form as yogis and the people hoping to leave the world in a better place.”
Trent Navaran, who is also from the US, has come to India to experience Maha Shivratri at the Yoga Centre describing what Shiva means to him, Trent told ABP Live: “To me, Shiva is a possibility, a dimension of existence that we can experience within ourselves having gone through the Isha Yoga program, an 8-day silence program. I do not have words that can accurately describe Shiva, but this experience of transcending one’s individuality is an experiential way of linking with Shiva.”
Not just the US, devotees are pouring in from other nations as well. Vera Fernandes from Portugal, who is here to witness the grand celebrations, said, “Once I am here, I can’t skip Maha Shivratri.”
Lastly, Uldy, who joined in from Columbia shared her excitement, calling it a “powerful night”. She told ABP Live, “I am waiting for the most powerful night of the year where we shall meditate with Sadhguru. My favourite part of the activity is how we are just redefining the content for Latino culture, meeting familiar faces and people who are talking about their environments.”
A few hours back, Maha Shivratri celebrations graced the iconic Times Square in New York. Sharing a video on his Instagram handle, Sadhguru wrote, “Times Square, New York welcomes Maha Shivratri! The world is realizing the significance of the Great Night of Shiva as a celebration of enhancing human potential and an opportunity for transformation. Let us make it happen.”
Meanwhile, the Isha Foundation event is anticipated to draw numerous individuals from diverse backgrounds. It will also be attended by Vice President of India Jagdeep Dhankhar. It will also feature captivating presentations by well-known artistes, such as Shankar Mahadevan, Gurdas Maan, Pawandeep Rajan, Rathijith Bhattacharjee, Mahalingam, Mooralala Marwada, and accomplished rappers like Paradox, MC Heam, and the Dharavi project. Additionally, the musical artistes lineup includes the participation of French musicians, Sounds of Isha, and Isha Samskriti.