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Maha Shivaratri - is also known as Shivratri or 'Night of Shiva'
Mahashivratri is celebrated by the Hindus
Maha Shivaratri is celebrated on the 13th night and the whole day of the 14th in the month of Phalguna according to the Hindu calendar
Significance
The night of Maha Shivaratri is marked for Shiva had performed 'Tandava' on this particular night; this is the dance of preservation, destruction and primal creation. Legends also say that he got married to Mata Parvati on this day.
It is also said that on this day Lord Shiva manifested himself in Linga, this is mentioned in the Linga puran. For the devotees of lord Shiva this day is very fortunate and spiritual night. Because of these reasons Maha Shivaratri is also called as the 'grand night of Shiva'.
It is also believed that there was a time when the entire creation was facing destruction and to stop this Mata Parvati had to worship her spouse Shiva to save the world. She offered prayers for the living souls in space such as gold dust particles in the lump of wax. Hence this long period of her worship is called as the 'pralaya night' and for this Shiva was active again and fulfilled all the wishes of Mata Parvati. Therefore Parvati named this night as the 'Ishwara' the night for worshipping the Lord.
Celebration of maha Shivratri
People celebrate this festival by offering 'Bela' leaves to Lord Shiva. They fast for the whole day and for the entire night of Shivratri. People can only drink milk and eat fruits on this day. They also offer Cannabis as a tradition for lord Shiva and also for his followers. People offer prayers to lord Shiva for the whole night and day to lord Shiva. People also conduct puja's and rudrabhisheka especially for lord Shiva. They keep on saying the mantra of 'Om Namah Shivaya' continuously for as much times as they can, with this Lord Shiva will bless and grant all the wishes.
People offer fruits, Bela leaves, coconuts and special prepared food for Shiva and for his consort Mata Parvati. On this dark night devotees light diyas as it is a symbol of religious sign. Devotees practices various hymns and verses for the whole night and day. Some of the devotees even spend their night and day practicing meditation and austerities. On this day all the Shiva temples are decorated with lighting, flowers and various decorations items. People make a note to visit the nearby Shiva temple; they wait for hours as temples are crowded with lots of devotees. There are big queues of the devotees to take Darshan of Lord Shiva.
Traditional food
The main traditional food that is prepared on this auspicious occasion of Maha Shivaratri is as follows lauki ka halwa, kaju Burfi, saboodana kheer, thandia, potato pumpkin pancake, Shivratri raita, pachi pulusa, green gram fry, sweet yam and Aloo khichdi.
People celebrate Maha Shivaratri with great devotion and spiritual fervor in respect of Lord Shiva. This festival is celebrated all over India with enthusiasm and joy.
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