The term Maha Shivaratri means the 'Great Night of Shiva' and falls on the 13th night and 14th day of the New Moon. It is said that Lord Shiva used to perform the tandava nritya (dance) on Maha Shivaratri and this is one of the most sacred festivals in India.

It is the darkest night of the year to celebrate the Grace of Shiva, who is considered the Adi Guru or the First Guru, from whom the yogic tradition originates. This festival is considered to be the meeting of Shiva and Shakti. It is believed that on Maha Shivaratri, Lord Shiva married Goddess Parvati and according to the Hindu calendar, Shivaratri is marked every luni-solar month.