Maha Shivratri 2021 Date in India: Every year Mahashivratri is celebrated as the convergence of the forces of Shiva and Shakti. This year, the auspicious festival will be held on March 11. As the name suggests, the day celebrates Lord Shiva, known as the God of Destruction. It is believed that while there is a Shivratri each luni-solar month of the Hindu calendar, the Maha shivratri, or the ‘great night of Shiva’ occurs once a year, when winter recedes in February / March and paves the way for spring and summer.
Also celebrated in Nepal, this day devotees wake up early in the morning and observe a strict full-day fast during which they seek God’s blessings and chant mantras. Some also take a second bath at night. Post that they visit a temple or offer prayers at home. Some devotees also offer fruits to Lord Shiva. In various temples in India, devotees meet and chant “Om Namah Shivay” throughout the day. Single women also fast on Maha Shivratri as it is believed that they will get a husband like Lord Shiva.
The day is particularly important to the Shaivist tradition of Hinduism. But unlike other festivals, which are generally observed with a lot of color and enthusiasm, the Maha Shivratri is more solemn as it is marked by internal reflection and introspection. In Shaivism, it is said that on this night, Lord Shiva had performed the hypnotic and heavenly dance of creation, preservation and destruction. Other legends say that that night, Shiva and Shakti had been married.
The most popular Maha Shivratri celebrations take place in Ujjain, believed to be the holiest abodes of Lord Shiva. Large processions are held throughout the city, with people crowding the streets to catch a glimpse of the revered idol of Lord Shiva.
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She is a freelance blogger, writer, and speaker, and writes for various entertainment magazines.