Shiv Ki Maha Ratri - Shivratri | Maha Shivratri 2023

An annual Hindu event called Maha Shivaratri is dedicated to promoting family unity and fertility. It literally means "The Night of Lord Shiva" and is named after the great Hindu god who creates, safeguards, and alters the cosmos.

Day-

Every lunar month, on the 14th day, India celebrates Shivaratri, the darkest night of the month, and the eve of the new moon. Maha Shivaratri, which occurs between February and March each year, is the one with the most spiritual importance among the 12 Shivaratri that occur each year. Shiv and Ratri are the two terms from which it is derived. Maha Shivarati, which is timed to begin on the 13th night and 14th day of the Hindu calendar's final month (often around February or March based on the Modern calendar), starts on that day and lasts for around 12 days. Maha Shivarati will take place on February 18 in 2023.

Celebrations-

As one of the most pivotal aspects of evenings within the Hindu calendar, this occasion is celebrated not just in India but also in certain other nations as a national holiday. Massive crowds manifest at temples around the Indian subcontinent, but the largest is often observed in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, the rumored residence of Lord Shiva. All around India, notably in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh, devotees go to Shiva shrines. The celebration greatly unites the Hindu community. They unite together in their communal worship across all races, religions, years, and socioeconomic backgrounds. They also keep fasts for the complete day. The event is particularly important for Hindu women because of its connotations of fecundity, happy marriage lives, and social peace.

Rituals-

Acolytes wake early and have a ceremonial wash in the morning. After performing these ritual cleansings, they would proceed to the Shiva temple nearby to give offerings of dairy, yogurt, honey, ghee, sugar, and water.

Om Namah Shivaya, Shiva's sacred mantra, is said in families and shrines all throughout India. At special pujas, flows of devotees continue to arrive during the day and into the evening as sandalwood is burned, lamps are lighted, and other rituals are performed.

Shiva is also revered as a lingam, a symbol that stands for creation, the creation of this entire iving world.

The bel tree is another piece of imagery or symbolism frequently associated with Shivaratri (or quince, which is native to India), as it is reportedly considered to be one of his favorites. Bel and ber fruit and leaves are considered a major part of the celebrations.

For many individuals, Maha Shivaratri has many different meanings. The notion of "persist in the face of darkness and ignorance" is one of the main themes that appeal to believers the most. Hence, this night of penance, reflection, and stillness is an embrace of emptiness and darkness as well as a solitary vigil for the return of creation and light to the planet.