The festival of Maha Shivratri is the most awaited one for the Hindus and is celebrated with great enthusiasm. Not only in various states of India but across the world people worship Lord Shiva on this eve to seek blessings and protection from the divine source of energy.

On this propitious day, temples are decorated at its best and will be overcrowded with devotees. People wait in the long queues to get a glimpse of their favourite deity and offer the holy materials to the Shiva Lingam.

On the night of Maha Shivratri people stay awake that is they do jagaran. The whole night people get engrossed in chanting the powerful mantras of Bholenath and sing bhajans of the deity. However, the most important part of this celebration is the Maha Shivratri vrat.

Observing Maha Shivartri vrat is considered to be an effective way of pleasing Shivji. During this ritual, there are devotees who fast the whole day without even consuming a single drop of water while most people consume only fruits, milk and water.

This vrat is in practise from ancient times and is believed that by performing this ritual with utmost dedication and devotion, devotees can get rid of the sins of the past life and overcome the obstacles which are in the path of achieving success.

Benefits

• Individuals performing this vrat will receive abundant blessings from the almighty.
• Happiness and prosperity will remain in the family.
• This vrat strengthens the bond between the couples
• Washes away the sins of the past and present life
• All the negative energies will be wiped out
• The vrat is also the means to attain salvation

People observing the Maha Shivratri vrat are advised not to consume any food prepared with rice and wheat. Some people also avoid eating table salt on this day. The food items that are ideal for the vrat include sabudana khichdi, kuttu puri, boiled potatoes, fruits and juice.

Devotees on this day wake up early, clean their houses, put colourful rangolis in front of the house, take bath and visit Shivalaya. Holy materials like bel leaves, milk, water, flowers etc., are offered to Shiva Lingam and people fast the whole day.