Maha Shivaratri, also known as Shivaratri, is a Hindu festival celebrated annually in honor of Lord Shiva. It falls on the 13th night and 14th day of the lunar month of Phalguna or Maagha.
Maha Shivaratri
Last Updated On: 13 August 2023
Maha Shivaratri, also known as Shivaratri, is a Hindu festival celebrated annually in honor of Lord Shiva. It falls on the 13th night and 14th day of the lunar month of Phalguna or Maagha (usually in February or March of the Gregorian calendar).
The festival holds great significance for devotees of Lord Shiva and is observed with fasting, prayer, meditation, and various rituals. It is believed that on this auspicious day, Lord Shiva performed the "Tandava," a cosmic dance of creation, preservation, and destruction. Devotees stay awake throughout the night, engaging in spiritual activities and visiting Shiva temples to seek blessings and express their devotion.
During Maha Shivaratri, people offer "bilva" leaves, flowers, milk, fruits, and other traditional items to Lord Shiva's lingam (a symbol of his divine energy and creative power). Many also recite sacred texts and chant mantras dedicated to Lord Shiva. The festival fosters a sense of unity and devotion among the followers of Lord Shiva, bringing people together to celebrate the divine presence and seek spiritual growth.
Different regions and communities have their own unique ways of celebrating Maha Shivaratri, but the central theme of honoring Lord Shiva and seeking his grace remains constant. It is one of the major festivals in the Hindu calendar and is celebrated with great enthusiasm and reverence in India and other parts of the world where there is a significant Hindu population.