Quick Answer
Maha Shivratri, the "great night of Shiva", falls on the 14th night of the dark fortnight of Phalguna (Feb–Mar). Devotees fast, keep vigil and perform abhishek through the night. For Kedarnath it has a second importance: the temple’s annual opening date is traditionally announced on this day.
The great night
Maha Shivratri falls on the chaturdashi (14th tithi) of the krishna paksha of Phalguna — usually February or March. Traditions variously associate the night with Shiva’s tandava, his marriage to Parvati, and the night he drank the halahala poison to save the worlds. Devotees observe fasting, night-long vigil (jagaran), abhishek of the lingam with water, milk and bel patra, and chanting of Om Namah Shivaya.
Why it matters for Kedarnath
Kedarnath lies under deep snow on Maha Shivratri — yet the day is pivotal for the dham: by long tradition, the opening date of the temple for the coming season is announced on Maha Shivratri, calculated by the temple’s religious authorities at the winter seat, Ukhimath. Pilgrims planning their yatra watch this announcement closely. We publish it on the opening & closing dates page as soon as it is officially declared.
Observing at home
You need not be at a Jyotirlinga to keep the night: a simple home observance — clean space, a Shiva image or lingam, water and bel patra offering, fasting as health permits, and staying awake in bhajan or silence — carries the full spirit of the festival. Those with health conditions should fast only as medically appropriate.