Devotees celebrate Maha Shivaratri in Deogarh

Deogarh (Jharkhand), Feb 13 (ANI): Thousands of devotees thronged the 'Baba Vaidyanath Dham Temple' in Deogarh here on the occasion of Maha Shivaratri.

Devotees dressed up as ghosts carried floats, depicting demons to recreate a marriage procession dedicated to the deity.

Maya Shankar Shastri, a chief priest said, "This is a tradition that we have been doing for years. The Shiv Baraat (Lord Shiva's marriage procession) is a part of this tradition."

Devotees chant hymns and made offerings of milk, honey, fruits and flowers to Lord Shiva

Maha Shivaratri marks the night that Lord Shiva, the Hindu God of destruction, married Parvati.

For an unmarried woman, the festival holds a special significance as they pray for a long and prosperous marriage.

Maha Shivaratri is a festival celebrated every year on the 13th night/14th day in the Krishna Paksha (waning moon) of the month of Maagha or Phalguna in the Hindu calendar.

The festival is principally celebrated by offerings of Bael (Bilva) leaves to Lord Shiva , all day fasting and an all night long vigil. (ANI)