Maha Shivaratri, also referred to as the “Great Night of Shiva”, is one of the biggest annual celebrations in the Hindu calendar and is held to honour Lord Shiva, who is one of the main deities in the religion.
The reason behind celebrating Lord Shiva can vary slightly depending on the region that you are from, as there are differing stories behind why the day is celebrated.
Some consider the festival to celebrate the time when their Lord Shiva drank poison to protect the universe, while others feel it represents the night he performed a dance of creation, preservation and destruction, or another belief is that it celebrates the union of Lord Shiva and the Goddess Parvati.
As the festival marks the ‘beginning of consciousness’ in Hindu scripture, it’s often celebrated through chanting, yoga, meditation, and fasting. Devout Hindus also may spend the night awake in prayer, or embark on a pilgrimage. Offerings of fruit and sweets are additionally made to Shiva at temples, which might also host vigils or meditation sessions.
Although Maha Shivaratri is a relatively solemn affair compared to other Hindu festivals, with an emphasis on introspection, charity, and forgiveness, the festival also celebrates the ‘heavenly dance’ of Shiva, and so there is an element of revelry. Those gathered at temples often take part in processions or dances, mimicking that of the deity.
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