Maha Shivratri
Maha Shivratri is one of the widely celebrated festivals in Hindu religion. It holds a lot of significance in the Hindu religion. The religious fervor of Maha Shivratri is far reaching with millions of Lord Shiva devotees taking part in it. The celebration of this auspicious day begins with the break of dawn. It is followed by a number of rituals during the night. The appeal of this festival is far reaching as one can get a clear idea by looking at the crowded Shiv temples in various parts of India. According to Hindu religious belief, taking part in this festival and observing the various rituals releases them of all their sins.
Celebration of Maha Shivratri
The celebration of Shiv Ratri involves a lot of rituals. It starts off with a ritual bath and then the devotees visit the nearby temples of Lord Shiva. Mostly women take part in these rituals as they wait in the queues to perform the rituals. They bath the Shiv Linga with milk and offer flowers to Lord Shiva.
On this day, priests also perform pujas every three hours. Singing of devotional hymns and songs throughout the day is also an integral part of the celebration. Moreover, the devotees observe fast throughout the day. They break their fast after consuming 'prasad' of the Lord.
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Married women perform these rituals to pray for a happy married life and unmarried women for good husbands. Drinking of 'thandai' is also a part of the celebration. It is a drink made of almonds and milk.
Time of Maha Shivratri
The Maha Shivratri is due to be celebrated on March 3 this year.
Indianholiday.com offers online information about Maha Shivratri.
| Festivals in February 2012 |
| Festival Name | Festivals Day/Date |
| Surajkund Crafts Mela | 1 - 15 Feb, Wednesday(starting) |
| Brij Festival | 2 - 4 Feb, Thursday-Saturday |
| Beneshwar Fair (Dungarpur, Rajasthan) | 3 - 7 Feb, Friday-Tuesday |
| Kala Ghoda Arts Festival | 4 - 12 Feb, Saturday-Sunday |
| Indian Derby Weekend 2010 | 5 Feb, Sunday |
| Guru Gorakhnath Jayanti | 5 Feb, Sunday |
| Thai Poosam | 7 Feb, Tuesday |
| Dayanand Saraswati Jayanti | 12 Feb, Sunday |
| Valentine Day | 14 Feb, Tuesday |
| Guru Ramdas Jayanti | 16 Feb, Thursday |
| Shekhawati Festival | 12-14 Feb, Sunday-Tuesday |
| Mumbai Festival | 17 - 19 Feb, Friday - Sunday |
| Taj Mahotsav | 17-26 Feb, Friday-Sunday |
| Goa Carnival | 18 - 21 Feb, Saturday-Monday |
| Konark Dance & Music Festival | 19-23 Feb, Sunday-Thursday |
| Shivaji Jayanti | 19 Feb, Sunday |
| Pariyanampetta Pooram | 20 Feb, Monday |
| Maha Shivratri | 20 Feb, Monday |
| Losar | 22 Feb, Wednesday |
| Ramakrishna Paramhansa Jayanti | 23 Feb, Thursday |
| Central Excise Day | 24 Feb, Friday |
| Khajuraho Dance Festival | 25 Feb - 2 Mar, Saturday-Friday |
| National Science Day | 28 Feb, Tuesday |
| Uthralikavu Pooram | 28 Feb, Tuesday |
| Grape Festival | 28 Feb - 4 Mar, Thursday-Monday |
| Athmela Mahotsab | February |
| Alwar Festival | February |
| Natyanjali Festival | February-March |
| The Delhi Flower Show | Last week February |
| Chandigarh Garden Festival | Last week February |
