Mahashivratri 2026: PM Modi, President Murmu, Rahul Gandhi, leaders extend heartfelt wishes, pray to Lord Shiva and Maa Parvati

Mahashivratri is being celebrated with immense devotion and spiritual fervour across the country as lakhs of devotees thronged prominent Shiva temples from the early hours on Sunday.

Long queues, special rituals, night-long prayers and holy dips mark the auspicious occasion, with elaborate security and administrative arrangements put in place to ensure smooth darshan and crowd management at major pilgrimage sites.

Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday extended Mahashivratri greetings to the countrymen, wishing for peace and prosperity for all.

In a post on X, Kharge wrote, "Heartfelt wishes to all fellow countrymen on the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivaratri. May the blessings of Dev Adhidev Mahadev remain upon everyone, may the light of happiness, prosperity, progress, and joy continue to spread in your life."

Rahul Gandhi, taking to X, wished for happiness and peace in everyone's lives.

"To all fellow countrymen, heartfelt wishes on Mahashivratri. By the grace of Shiv-Shakti, may your life always be filled with happiness, peace, and prosperity. Har Har Mahadev," he said.

The Congress party also took to social media and wished the countrymen.

"Heartfelt wishes to all countrymen on the holy festival of Mahashivratri," the party said in a post on X.

Congress national general secretary and Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, taking to X, said, "Heartiest greetings to all countrymen on the auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri. May the Supreme God, Mahadev, Lord Shiva, bring happiness and prosperity to all of you. Har Har Mahadev."

President Droupadi Murmu extended heartfelt wishes to the nation, invoking Lord Shiva's grace for peace and progress.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath extended his greetings, highlighting the spiritual significance of the day.

"On the sacred bathing festival of Mahashivratri, dedicated to the worship of Devadhidev Mahadev, heartfelt congratulations to all the revered saints, religious leaders, sadhaks who have come for Kalpavas, and devotees who have arrived at the Triveni Sangam of Tirtharaj Prayag today to take the holy dip of faith," he said in a post on X.

"May the grace of Devadhidev Mahadev and the sacred Mother Ganga, the bestower of merit, remain upon all devotees. May the sadhana of the seekers be fulfilled and the heartfelt wishes of the devotees be granted—this is my sincere prayer. Har Har Mahadev," CM Yogi added.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also posted on X, stating, "On the sacred occasion of Mahashivratri, I extend my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to all my fellow countrymen. My prayer is that the grace of Mahadev may forever remain upon us all, and that our nation may always advance on the path of progress."

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh shared his greetings on X as well, writing, "Heartfelt greetings to all devotees and fellow citizens on the sacred occasion of Mahashivratri. I pray to Lord Mahadev, the Supreme Deity, that through His grace, the spirit of peace and harmony may strengthen in the world. May the blessings of Lord Shiva continue to guide our nation on the path of unity, security, and continuous progress. May happiness, prosperity, and peace reside in everyone's life. Har Har Mahadev!"

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari also posted on X, saying, "Heartfelt wishes to all fellow countrymen on the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivaratri. I pray to Lord Mahadev for the happiness and prosperity of the nation."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended Mahashivratri greetings on Sunday, invoking Lord Shiva's blessings for the well-being of every citizen and the prosperity of the nation.

In a post on X, he wrote,"To all my family members across the country, countless best wishes on Mahashivratri. My prayer is that Adidev Mahadev always keep His grace upon everyone. By His blessings, may all be blessed with well-being and may our Bharatvarsh sit enthroned at the peak of prosperity."

Mahashivaratri, one of the most significant Hindu festivals, is marked to honour the deity Shiva and commemorate the divine union of Shiva and Parvati.

(With inputs from IANS)