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 Maha Shivratri or the Night of Shiva is one of the major Hindu religious festivals that is celebrated with great excitement every year. It falls on the 13th night or14th day of the Krishna Paksha of the month of Maagha or Phalguna according to the Hindu calendar. The festival is observed mainly by the women to worship Lord Shiva. Whole day fasting is done and the puja is offered at night.
People worship Lord Shiva on this day by offering sweets, baels and other things. People offer complete devotion to the lord and it is said that all wishes are fulfilled of the devotees. The Lord bestows love and peace to the people. It is believed that on this night Lord Shiva redeems the world. He consumes all the poisons of the universe to save his devotees. The devotees in return fast, meditate and sing in praise of God to please the Lord. It is believed that on the night of the Shivratri, Lord bestows blessings on his devotees.
Shiva is worshipped in the form of Shiva lingam. On the night of the Shivratri, the devotees gather near the Shiv temple and pray before the God and give their offerings. The devotees also pour water, milk, honey, ghee, curds, coconut water, sugar, flowers and bay leaves on the Shiva lingam as a part of worship.
The lingam is beautifully decorated with flowers, sandalpaste, rudrakshas, vibhuti, turmeric, kumkum, butter and other things. All these things with which it is decorated have got its own significance. Devotees chant the mantra in the glory of the Lord, “Om Namah Shivaya...Om Namah Shivaya…”
People prepare bhang or a special drink, which is consumed on the night of this religious festival. People also gather together and perform some cultural programs. Devotional songs and religious songs are also sung in the praise of the Lord on this night. Sometimes, Agni puja is also arranged on this night. Considered as one of the major festivals of India, Shivratri is observed numerous women all over the world. To make this festival a great success the women make prior arrangements for the Shivratri.
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