Maha Shivratri

Jay Shree Krishna to all Devotees and Followers,

Pujaris in Southern Africa have been in consultation with each other, and after many many discussions, we have reached a decision that Maha Shivratri will be celebrated on 28th February 2022, in Southern Africa.

This is because, as Hindus, we follow the lunar calendar. As per the lunar calendar, Shivratri is observed on Mahaa Vad Teras/Chaudas, i.e. the fourteenth night (which may be the thirteenth day) of the dark half of the month of Mahaa.

It is also pertinent to remember that while the date is a construct of the solar calender, which changes at midnight, the equivalent of that in the lunar calendar is known as tithi, which does not necessarily change at midnight.

Trayodashi/teras ends at 23h40 on 28 February 2022, and Chaturdashi/Chaudas begins at 23h41 on 28 February. Chaudas tithi remains until 21h30 on 1 March 2022.

The significance of Maha Shivratri lies in the night, hence it is necessary to ensure that it should be observed on the day on which the tithi will be that of Chaudas at night.

According to Dharma Sindhu and Nirnaya Sindhu, devotees can break their fast not later than the third phase of Chaturdashi, which is around 15h00 on 1st March.

Currently East London Hindu Mandir, Radheshyam Mandir (Marlboro), Lakshmi Narayan Mandir, Rameshwar Mandir, Hindu Mandir (Baira), have joined us in this decision. It is up to individual organizations to decide when they’d like to celebrate.

SA Hindu Priest, World Hindu Pundit Organization ( Southern Arica zone)