Maha Shivratri, also known as the ‘Great night of Lord Shiva,’ is a Hindu festival observed by devotees with much fervour. On this holy day, devotees worship Lord Shiva and seek his divine guidance.
Hindu devotees light lamps as they worship Hindu god ShivaShivratri (or the night of Lord Shiva) occurs on every 14th night of the new moon. However, it’s only once a year – in February–March – that Mahashivratri is celebrated.
On this day, to please their Lord, devotees observe the special Maha Shivratri fast and throng Shiva temples across the country to offer fruits and milk to the Shivaling, an iconic representation of Shiva.
While some perform Puja to pray for moksha or salvation, many women pray to be blessed with a good husband.
While fasting is a significant part of the custom, the rituals also call for preparation of satvik delicacies that are consumed during the fast and after breaking the fast post offering the final prayers.
Many celebrate Shivratri according to their own perception of the festival. Some celebrate it to commemorate the marriage between Shiva and Parvati, some to celebrate Shiva as the destroyer who destroys all evil (outside and inside us) and some celebrate the stillness. For most, however, it is simple — a day dedicated to worship Lord Shiva.
(Purba J Konwar Photos)
