Maha Sivarathri

The festival of Maha Sivarathri in Punjab is observed on the fourteenth night of the Hindu month of Phalgun. This auspicious day, which falls in the month of February or March is highlighted with the fasting devotees remain awake with the believe that Lord Shiva will appear in front of them.

According to Hindu belief, Lord Shiva appears in his own supreme grace on the Sivarathri night. The word Sivarathri actually means the night of Lord Shiva.

The festival of Maha Sivarathri has a nationwide following and Punjab is not lagging behind, indulging in the warm festivities. The devotees offer Bilva leaves with their prayers after taking holy dips in the nearby rivers. The followers observe a day long fast to please their god.

Mostly the young women participate in the rituals with the belief that they will be rewarded with faithful and ideal husbands like Lord Shiva. Married women pray to the lord for the well being of their husbands and even men worship the lord to earn his blessings. The Shiva temples of the state are visited by thousands of devotees who come to bathe their lord with milk.

Devotional songs or Bhajans are organized within the temple complexes. In some areas cultural functions are also held to entertain the vigilant devotees. The Maha Sivarathri is really a great night for all the people of the state.