Maha Shiva Ratri

Maha Shivaratri: The Great Night of Shiva

An annual Hindu festival honoring Lord Shiva is called Maha Shivaratri, or the Great Night of Shiva. It takes place in the Hindu lunar month of Phalgun (February/March) on the fourteenth night of the dark fortnight. Maha Shivaratri is observed on March 8th, 2024. Millions of devotees worldwide, especially in Nepal and India, where it is observed with great enthusiasm and devotion, place considerable importance on this auspicious day.

A day when Lord Shiva danced the divine dance of creation, preservation, and destruction, according to Hindu mythology, is celebrated on Maha Shivaratri. The Jyotirlinga, or Shiva lingam, is thought to have made his appearance on this day. Asserting that worshiping Shiva on this day with genuine devotion purges the soul of sins and advances one’s journey toward moksha—the release from the cycle of life and death—devotees believe.

Devotees observe sacred baths, early morning wake-up calls, and temple visits honoring Lord Shiva on Maha Shivaratri. The Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu, Nepal, is among the most well-known temples where Maha Shivaratri is lavishly celebrated. To worship and ask Lord Shiva for blessings, thousands of devotees, including sadhus (holy men), assemble at the temple.

On Maha Shivaratri, devotees follow a rigorous fast, consuming only water, milk, and fruits. All day long, they bring fruits, flowers, and bel leaves to Lord Shiva in addition to chanting prayers and bathing the lingam ritualistically in a mixture of milk, honey, ghee, and water. Adherents sing hymns and recite prayers to Lord Shiva throughout the vigil, which lasts the entire night.

In addition to Nepal and India, numerous other nations with sizable Hindu populations also observe Maha Shivaratri. Devotees celebrate the holiday with customary rites and cultural presentations in nations including Fiji, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Mauritius.

Apart from Nepal and India, many other countries with substantial Hindu populations also celebrate Maha Shivaratri. In countries like Fiji, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Mauritius, devotees commemorate the occasion with traditional ceremonies and cultural displays.