Krishna Chaturdashi
चतुर्दशी
Maha Shivaratri — the great night of Shiva.
Presiding deity
Shiva
Category
Rikta
Empty / draining — avoid new ventures, marriage, big purchases.
Tithi number
14 of 15 in Krishna Paksha
Also known as
Maha Shivaratri (Phalguna Krishna) · Naraka Chaturdashi (Kartika Krishna) · Masik Shivaratri (every Krishna Chaturdashi)
Tithi character
Phalguna Krishna Chaturdashi is Maha Shivaratri — the most-observed Shiva festival of the year. Naraka Chaturdashi (Kartika Krishna Chaturdashi) commemorates Krishna's defeat of Narakasura — the day before Diwali.
Auspicious for
- ✓Maha Shivaratri sankalpa
- ✓All-night vigil
- ✓Pre-dawn oil bath (Naraka Chaturdashi)
Traditionally avoided
- ✗Sleeping through Maha Shivaratri night (the vigil is the practice)
- ✗Major auspicious starts (Rikta tithi)
Festivals on Krishna Chaturdashi
4 festivals in our calendar fall on this tithi (across the supported VS years).
Naraka Chaturdashi
7 Nov 2026 · kartika
The night before Diwali — Krishna's defeat of Narakasura.
Maha Shivaratri
25 Feb 2027 · phalguna
The "great night of Shiva" — vigil through all four praharas.
Naraka Chaturdashi
28 Oct 2027 · kartika
The night before Diwali — Krishna's defeat of Narakasura.
Maha Shivaratri
23 Feb 2028 · phalguna
The "great night of Shiva" — vigil through all four praharas.