Maha Shivaratri 2021: The do's and don'ts while observing Maha Shivratri Vrat India Published: Wednesday, March 10, 2021, 15:13 [IST] New Delhi, Mar 10: Maha Shivratri is one of the most auspicious days for Lord Shiva devotees. This year, the festival is celebrated across the country on 11 March (Thursday). It is observed on the Chaturdashi Tithi, Krishna Paksha of Phalguna month that signifies the defeat of ignorance and darkness. This year Chaturdashi Tithi begins at 5:20 pm on Friday (March 12) and will culminate at 7:02 pm on Saturday (March 13). The legends of Mahashivratri come from different stories, one is how Shiva swallowed Halahala poison to save the world, another is that Mahashivratri is the anniversary of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati's marriage. Devotees keep fast, chant prayers and keep an all-night vigil on Maha Shivratri.