Juhi Chawla and Salim Merchant Grace Mahashivratri 2026 in Coimbatore

February 20, 2026 — The foothills of the Velliangiri Mountains transformed into a sea of devotion as the Isha Yoga Center hosted its grand Mahashivratri celebrations. This year’s event, centered around the theme “Ganga,” drew a massive global audience, but the spotlight shone brightly on the several Indian icons who joined the night-long vigil. Among the most prominent attendees were veteran actress Juhi Chawla and renowned music composer Salim Merchant, both of whom described the experience as a profound spiritual milestone.

A Night of Culture and Connection

The festivities, led by Sadhguru, began at 6 PM on February 15 and continued until dawn. For Juhi Chawla, a frequent visitor to the ashram, the 2026 edition felt more impactful than ever.

“I have been following Sadhguru ji for years now,” Juhi shared during the event. “Every time I come here, it feels bigger, better, and grander. It is a celebration with a lot of meaning; it truly brings us closer to our own culture and roots.”

Clad in traditional attire, the actress was seen participating in the midnight meditations and soaking in the vibrant cultural performances. Her presence underscored the growing trend of public figures seeking “meaningful celebration” over typical social gatherings.

A Dream Fulfilled for Salim Merchant

Music composer Salim Merchant, whose work often touches on the spiritual, expressed his long-standing desire to witness the Isha Mahashivratri firsthand. Describing the night as “absolutely divine,” Merchant noted that being at the feet of the 112-foot Adiyogi statue on the holiest night in the Indian calendar was a dream come true.

“The energy here is deeply uplifting,” Merchant remarked. “It’s a night of relevance, importance, and intense devotion.” While the event featured performances by artists like Aditya Gadhvi and the Sounds of Isha, Merchant’s presence added to the creative fervor of the evening.

Global Stars and Dignitaries

The 2026 celebration was notable for its eclectic guest list. In a surprise that set social media ablaze, Grammy-winning American singer SZA attended with her mother, even taking to the stage to lead the crowd in “Shiv Shambho” chants.

The event also saw a strong representation from the film and political worlds:

• Film Industry: Actresses Tamannaah Bhatia, Mouni Roy, Srinidhi Shetty, and Sara Arjun were seen dancing and meditating through the night.
• Dignitaries: Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh attended as the Chief Guest, joined by Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis and other top officials.

High-Tech Devotion

This year marked a technological milestone for the Isha Foundation. The event was livestreamed in 23 languages and, for the first time, included sign language interpretation, ensuring that the “Great Night of Shiva” reached the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community worldwide. From the powerful Yogeshwara Linga Maha Abhishekam to the breathtaking Adiyogi Divya Darshanam light show, the night was a seamless blend of ancient tradition and modern accessibility.

As the sun rose over Coimbatore on February 16, the message from the attendees was clear: Mahashivratri at Isha is no longer just a religious festival; it has become a global cultural phenomenon that transcends boundaries.