'Maha Shivaratri' is one of the most important festivals of Hindus. Maha Shivaratri literally means the great night of Shiva or the night of Shiva. It is the festival celebrating the marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Maha Shivratri falls on 13th night/ 14th day of Krishna paksha of Phalgun month, according to the Hindu calendar. It is celebrated with great enthusiasm all over India.
Shiva balances the nature by acting as a God of destruction. During the Samudra Manthan, Shiva gulped the poison and all the Gods performed dance and sang hymns to keep him awake. This day is celebrated as the wedding day of lord Shiva and Parvati.
On Maha Shivaratri, very early morning, Shiva temples are flocked by devotees. Shiva devotees observe fast throughout the day and night. On this day, they perform various rituals by doing rurdrabhishek and pour water and milk over the Shiva Lingam. Leaves of Bael tree are also offered. Religious songs and mantras are held. The devotees chant the mantra "Om Namah Shivaya".
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