Celebrated : Throughout the country
Deity Worshiped : Lord Shiva
Time : 14th night of Phalgun (Hindu calendar)


About Maha Shivaratri
Maha Shivaratri or Shivaratri is an important Hindu festival celebrated in the month of Maagh or Phalguna as per the Hindu calendar. It is a most important occasion for Hindus, particularly the devotees of Lord Shiva. It is believed to be the day when Lord Shiva was married to Goddess Parvati. The devotees fast and observe a night long vigil as well as offer fruits and flowers to the lord.

The festival of Shivaratri has special significance in Hinduism, especially for the millions of devotees of Lord Shiva. The festival which falls on the 14th night of the month of Phalgun as per Hindu calendar is especially dear to Lord Shiva, a fact which was declared by the lord himself when asked so by his consort Parvati. The festival of Shivaratri also holds special significance for women who fast all day to appease Goddess Parvati and bless them with a happy and contented married life.

Mythological Significance of Maha Shivaratri
The holy Hindu books, the Puranas, contain numerous stories as to the origin of this festival. According to legend when halaa-hal poison came out during the churning of the sea, the gods and demons being terrified that the poison may destroy the entire world, went to Lord Shiva and requested for help. Lord Shiva drank the poison, as a result of which his throat turned blue and he was named 'Neelkanth'. The day is celebrated as Shivaratri every year as a mark of respect to Neelkanth Lord Shiva.
Another mythological story explains how once Gods Brahma and Vishnu were having an argument as to who is supreme. When both proclaimed themselves to be more powerful at that very moment a lingam appeared in front of them from which Lord Shiva appeared magically. Lord Shiva then proclaimed himself to be the progenitor of both of them, therefore, the most powerful. Subsequently, the lord demanded that he be worshiped in his lingam form from then on.

Maha Shivaratri Celebrations
Hindu tradition prescribes the exact way of celebrating Maha Shivaratri. A lingam worship should essentially consist of six items, the offerings of bael leaves which represents refining of the body and soul, vermillion applied on the lingam and bathing it with water which represents virtue, offering food to the lord representing the fulfillment of desires, lighting of incense and oil lamps which is a sign of the attainment of knowledge and finally the offerings of beetel leaves which denotes the attainment of worldly pleasures.

Hymns and songs are sung in praise of lord Shiva. There are endless celebrations and rejoicing during the entire night of Shivaratri. The devotees sing and dance as well as chant the holy panchakshara mantra of Om Namha Shivaya which is believed to be especially auspicious for the devotees of lord Shiva. The chanting of this mantra has great significant as it is believed to free people from all their sins if chanted of a pure heart. A drink made of milk and almonds, known as Thandai is an integral part of the festival and drunk especially by the followers of Lord Shiva.