Celebration of Maha Shivaratri :-
The state of Rajasthan is always a great attraction for tourists. Colorful ambiance of the place along with the variety of tourist attractions makes it one of the most sought after tourist destinations in the world. The various fairs and festivals celebrated in Rajasthan also add to the state’s attraction. Mahashivaratri is one of the most popular festivals in Rajasthan. This festival bears further significance as it is devoted to Lord Shiva who is one of the most important Gods of Hindu religions.
Shivaratri literally means the great night of Shiva or the night of Shiva. On the auspicious day, devotees observe fast and keep vigil all night. Mahashivaratri marks the night when Lord Shiva performed the ‘Tandava’. It is also believed that on this day Lord Shiva was married to Ma Parvati. Mahashivartri is one of the most popular festivals in Rajasthan. This festival bears further significance as it is devoted to Lord Shiva who is one of the three main gods of Hindu Mythology.
Mahashivaratri is celebrated with a lot of fanfare in Rajasthan. A large number of devotees follow strict fast on the day. They also believe that an earnest and honest celebration of the festival will give them a respite from all their sins. This festival is mostly celebrated by women of the Hindu community. After fasting for the whole day, they devotedly pray to the God. Married women perform these rituals for the well being of their husbands. Unmarried girls perform these rituals to get the best husband like Lord Shiva.
In 2018 Mahashivaratri which will fall on 14-February is celebrated with a lot of fanfare in Rajasthan. A large number of devotees observe strict fast on the day. They also believe that an earnest and honest celebration of the festival will give them a respite from all their sins. This festival is mostly celebrated by women of the Hindu community. After fasting for the whole day, they devotedly pray to the God. Married women perform these rituals for the well being of their husbands. Unmarried girls perform these rituals to get the best husband like Lord Shiva.
On this day, Lord Shiva is bathed in milk and honey. They also offer Bel leaves and flowers (which is also called Bengal quince or wood apple) while chanting Om Namay Shivay. Some of the Lord Shibva temples also observe Jaagaran during the whole night of Mahashivaratri. After day break, the various foods offered to the Lord are eaten by the devotees as ‘Prasad’.
