Maha Shivratri is a Hindu festival celebrated annually in honour of Lord Shiva. It is one of the most auspicious Hindu festivals and is celebrated with great enthusiasm. It is also known as Padma Rajarathri. The festival marks the convergence of Shiva and Shakti and is observed on the 13th night/14th day in the Hindu calendar month of Phalguna. On this day, devotees visit Shiva temples, chant mantras and observe fasts. The festival is observed by Hindus all over the world who offer special prayers and rituals to the Lord.
Maha Shivratri is a Hindu festival celebrated annually in honour of Lord Shiva. It is one of the most auspicious Hindu festivals and is celebrated with great enthusiasm. It is also known as Padma Rajarathri. The festival marks the convergence of Shiva and Shakti and is observed on the 13th night/14th day in the Hindu calendar month of Phalguna. On this day, devotees visit Shiva temples, chant mantras and observe fasts.
The festival of Maha Shivratri is also considered to be a day of spiritual significance. It is believed that observing the festival helps to bring inner peace and enlightenment. Devotees fast on this day, and some even perform meditation and yoga in order to bring themselves closer to the divine.
Maha Shivratri is also important for its spiritual importance. It is believed that Lord Shiva can grant the wishes of his devotees on this day. People often visit temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and offer prayers, hoping to.
The festival is principally celebrated by offerings of Bael or Bilva/Vilvam leaves to Lord Shiva. Many devotees also observe all-day fasting and an all-night-long vigil and chant the sacred Panchakshara mantra dedicated to Lord "Om Namah Shivaya". Some devotees also do penances to gain boons in the practice of Yoga and meditation.
On Mahashivratri, Nishita Kala is the ideal time to observe Shiva Pooja. On this day, in all Shiva's temples, the most auspicious Lingodbhava puja is performed.
On this day, the devotees start visiting temples since early morning. They offer cold water, milk and bael leaves on the Shiv Lingam.
In Nepal, millions of Hindus attend Shivaratri together from different part of the world at the famous Pashupatinath Temple. Thousand of devotees also attend Mahasivaratri at all the different famous Shiva Shakti Peetham of Nepal.
A week-long International Mandi Shivratri Fair is held at Mandi in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh every year which is also one of the major tourist attractions in the state.