Mahashivratri 2026 promises to be one of the largest spiritual gatherings in the world as the Isha Foundation prepares for its 33rd edition of the all-night celebration at the Isha Yoga Center. Led by yogi and mystic Sadhguru, the event will take place in the foothills of the Velliangiri Mountains and is expected to attract millions of viewers worldwide.

This year’s celebration gains additional prominence with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh attending as the Chief Guest. Other dignitaries include Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Union Minister L. Murugan.

The 12-hour overnight event will be broadcast live across more than 100 television networks and streamed digitally in 24 languages, beginning at 6 PM IST on February 15.

🌙 What is Mahashivratri According to Sadhguru?

Mahashivratri, meaning the “Great Night of Shiva,” is considered one of the most spiritually significant nights of the year. According to Sadhguru, the planetary alignment on this night creates a natural upsurge of energy in the human system, making it highly conducive for meditation and spiritual growth.

He explains that the Isha Yoga Center, located near the Velliangiri Mountains — often called the “Kailash of the South” — sits at approximately eleven degrees latitude. This geographical positioning is believed to intensify the natural centrifugal forces of the planet, enhancing the spiritual atmosphere of the night.

📅 Mahashivratri 2026: Full Event Schedule

The night-long celebration is carefully structured to blend ritual, music, meditation and cultural performances.

🔹 Pancha Bhuta Kriya

The celebrations begin with the sacred cleansing ritual at the Dhyanalinga, honoring the five elements — earth, water, fire, air and space.

🔹 Linga Bhairavi Maha Yatra

A grand procession celebrating the divine feminine energy, setting the spiritual tone for the night.

🔹 Cultural & Musical Performances

The event will feature a diverse lineup of artists, blending traditional Indian music with contemporary elements:

• Aditya Gadhvi (Gujarati folk)
• Prashant Sonagra and team (traditional drum collaboration)
• Sounds of Isha ensemble
• Swaroop Khan
• Blaaze
• Paradox
• Swagat Rathod
• Prithvi Gandharv

🔹 Yaksha Festival Highlights

Leading up to Mahashivratri, the Yaksha festival showcases classical Indian arts, including:

• Purbayan Chatterjee (Hindustani Sitar)
• Bharat Sundar (Carnatic Vocal)
• Vaibhav Aarekar (Bharatanatyam)

🕉️ Special Ritual: Yogeshwara Linga Maha Abhishekam

For the first time, Sadhguru will personally conduct the Yogeshwara Linga Maha Abhishekam — a sacred consecration ritual.

The Yogeshwara Linga, positioned before the iconic 112-foot Adiyogi statue, is consecrated with five chakras and designed specifically to support spiritual practices. Devotees worldwide can participate remotely by registering and having offerings made in their name. Participation is complimentary, with optional donations supporting Mahashivratri activities and Maha Annadanam (mass food offering).

✨ Highlight of the Night: Adiyogi Divya Darshanam

One of the most awaited segments is the Adiyogi Divya Darshanam — a spectacular light and sound show projected onto the 112-foot Adiyogi statue.

Narrated by Sadhguru, the show recounts the origins of yoga and transforms the statue into a luminous spiritual experience for both on-site attendees and online viewers.

🕛 Key Spiritual Moments

• Midnight: Mahamantra initiation led by Sadhguru
• 3:40 AM (Brahma Muhurtam): Guided meditation designed to harness the peak spiritual energy of the night

Sadhguru describes this period as an opportunity to experience the “vast emptiness within,” which he calls the source of all creation.

🌍 Global Reach and Significance

Over the years, Mahashivratri at Isha has evolved into a landmark event on the international spiritual calendar. It regularly attracts cultural icons, political leaders, and global seekers.

With an estimated viewership exceeding 140 million worldwide, the event rivals some of the largest global live broadcasts in scale and engagement.

📌 Why Mahashivratri at Isha Stands Out

• Unique geographic location near Velliangiri foothills
• All-night format encouraging wakefulness and meditation
• Blend of ancient ritual and contemporary presentation
• Global digital accessibility in multiple languages
• Participation options for devotees worldwide

🔚 Final Thought

Whether attending in person at the vibrant Isha Yoga Center in Coimbatore or tuning in from across the globe, Mahashivratri 2026 offers a rare convergence of devotion, culture, music and meditation.

It is not merely a festival — it is an immersive spiritual experience designed to awaken awareness and inner stillness.