Mahashivratri is a festival in Goa that is celebrated with great devotion and religious fervor by Hindus, in honor of Lord Shiva who has traditionally been worshipped by tribal communities. It is celebrated on the 14th day of the Maagha or Phalguna month of the Hindu calendar.

Shivratri literally means night of Shiva and according to legend it marks the night when lord Shiva performed the "Tandava". On the festival day, devotees fast day and night and worship Shiva Lingam, to appease Lord Shiva.

According to Hindu mythology, Mahashivratri is Lord Shiva's favourite day. On the day devotees wake up early in the morning and visit the nearest Shiva temple, to offer cold water, milk and bael leaves on the Lingam, a symbol for the worship of Lord Shiva, after properly cleaning it. The worship continues the full day and night.

At some of the temples, Jaagran or nightlong vigil might be observed in which the devotees sing hymns and devotional songs, in praise of Lord Shiva. They break their fast in the morning by partaking the prasad offered after the aarti, the night before.

In Goa, Mahashivratri celebrations can be best seen at the Shiroda and Ramnath temples both in Ponda and also at Sanguem, Harvalem, Kavlem and Mangesh Temples.