If you're observing Maha Shivaratri, avoid heavy and indulgent foods, alcohol, and smoking from the day before.
Get ready for the Puja by gathering items like bilva leaves, cannabis, flowers, rice grains, sandalwood, holy ash, Ganges water, camphor, milk, sugarcane juice, honey, and more. Also, prepare adornments for Goddess Parvati.
For offering to Lord Shiva, prepare treats like thandai, malpua, halwa, lassi, and honey.
Stay awake throughout Maha Shivaratri. Sleeping is not recommended during the fast.
When circling the Shiva Linga, do only half and then return. Completing the full circle is not allowed.
Avoid using items like tulsi leaves, turmeric, conch shells, coconuts, and kevda flowers during the Puja; these are considered restricted in Shiva worship.