“Mahashivratri” literally translates to “the Great Night of Shiva,” and is one of the most spiritually significant festivals in the Indian calendar. Major politicians, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, tweeted and wished the nation on the occasion. Modi said in a statement, “Greetings to all on the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivratri.” The new Chief Minister of Delhi, who recently won a massive mandate to lead the state, also wished his countrymen on twitter. “Good wishes to all of you on Maha Shivratri,” he tweeted.
Religion and spirituality in India are an integral part of daily life, and thus, several festivals dot the Indian calendar. Of these, Mahashivratri is perhaps one of the most important.Traditionally, devotees stay awake through the night, chanting and meditating. Certain kinds of music and meditation have been found to have health benefits, so the festival may have a physiological and psychological impact, besides its spiritual significance.
During the day, the visit Shiva temples and offer prayers and worship. Mahi Mittal, a Delhi-based businessman has been celebrating the festival every year for the last five years. This year too, he started his day with a visit to the temple. “I am in the queue since 6 in the morning. I knew the queue will be long so I came early to offer my prayers,” he said.
Devotees may also fast on this day, or restrict themselves to fruits and water. Brijesh Chaturvedi said, “As my friends told me that the queue in the popular Shiva temples in Delhi will be crowded, so I went to a temple near my home and prayed at 6.30 a.m. today. I will only eat fruits. I feel good after offering prayers.”
Sheila Mehrotra, a 57-year-old devotee, said, “I do not even remember for how long I have been keeping a fast on Shivratri. I read the ‘Shiv Chalisa’ and offer milk, Bel leaves and flowers to the Shivling.” “It marks the day Shiva and Parvati got married. Women fast to ensure a good life for their husbands, and young girls observe a fast in the hope of a good life partner, much like Shiva himself,” she added.
The festival is celebrated a day before the new moon, which is known as Shivarathri. The Shivarathri that falls in the lunar month of Magha, which corresponds to February/March in the Gregorian calendar, is known as Mahashivarathri.
