

There are many stories associated with Maha Shivratri which include the night that Lord Shiva performed the Tandav, a celestial dance of creation, preservation and destruction, and the legend of Lubdhaka. It is not a nationwide public holiday in countries such as Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States but some cities may hold large celebrations for the occasion.

Stores and other businesses and organizations may be closed or have reduced opening hours. Maha Shivaratri is a gazetted holiday in India so government offices, post offices and banks may be closed. They may perform the traditional Shivalinga puja ritual - where they circulate the Shivalinga three to seven times and then pour water, milk, yogurt, honey, sandalwood paste and/or rose water over it.Ī very famous tradition associated with the shivratri celebrations is drinking thandai, which is a drink made of bhang - cannabis, sweet almonds and milk. Married women observe the fast of Shivaratri and pray for the well being of their husbands and sons, while unmarried girls observe the fast in hopes of finding a good husband like Lord Shiva. People who fast only break their fast the next morning to eat the prasad - the food offerings that were offered to Shiva. Many devotees offer special food that is made from the fruits of the season, vegetables, and coconuts. It is common to fast during Maha Shivaratri and to stay up all night at a place of worship singing hymns and verses of praise and devotion to Lord Shiva. Many Hindus celebrate with special rituals dedicated to Lord Shiva, which includes prayers, going to temple, folk dances, and music. Maha Shivaratri is celebrated during the night and day that comes just before the new moon.

The Hindu god Shiva next to the goddess Parvati. The festival usually occurs in the month of February or March and is observed for one day and night only. Maha Shivaratri (Maha Shivratri, Maha Sivaratri, Shivaratri, Sivaratri) is a festival that is dedicated to the worship Lord Shiva on the 13th or 14th day of the Hindu month of Maagha or Phalguna. When Is Maha Shivaratri 2022? Tue, Add to calendar Maha Shivaratri 2021

Devotees of Lord Shiva throng Shiva temples across the country and spend ‘the Night of Lord Shiva’ by chanting verses and hymns in praise of the Lord. Celebrations of Shivaratri Festival mainly take place at night. Celebrating the festival in a customary manner, devotees give a ritual bath to the Lingam with the panchagavya - milk, sour milk, Ghee butter and dung. Many however, believe, Shivaratri is the night when Lord Shiva performed the Tandava Nritya - the dance of primordial creation, preservation and destruction. Shivaratri Festival is celebrated on a moonless night.Īccording to Hindu mythology, Shivaratri or ‘Shiva's Great Night’ symbolizes the wedding day of Lord Shiva and Parvati. The Sanskrit term, Krishna Paksha means the period of waning moon or the dark fortnight and Phalguna corresponds to the month of March - March in English Calendar. Shivaratri » When is Shivaratri When is Shivaratri? Shivaratri 2021 is on 11 March, ThursdayĪuspicious festival of Mahashivaratri falls on the 4th night of the new moon during Krishna Paksha in the Hindu month of Phalgun.
