Devotees chant Om Namah Shivaya on Mahashivratri

The devotees thronged Shiva temples to offer prayers and were seen taking a holy bath in rivers, sacred 'sarovars' and performing special 'pujas'.

A large number of devotees thronged temples across India on the occasion of Mahashivratri. Since early morning, the devotees thronged Shiva temples to offer prayers and were seen taking a holy bath in rivers, sacred 'sarovars' and performing special 'pujas'.

When it is celebrated

Maha Shivaratri is celebrated in the month of Phalguna (February - March) before the arrival of the new moon.

What to do on this auspicious day

Devotees observe a day-long fast and offer their prayers at the shrines of Lord Shiva. The celebrations reach its epitome in the night when devotees break their fast after the Mahadeepa is lit on the spire of the temple.

What is eaten at the celebration?

Many people observe a fast on this day. Many people eat simple foods such as milk, yogurt, fruit, cashews and honey. While some can consume Kheer of Sabudana, Ramdana, Rajgira puri, and Vrat ka halwa.

Devotees offer prayers to Lord Shiva on Maha Shivratri

Devotees offer milk to perform ritual "Abhishek" to Lord Shiva on the occasion of Shivratri festival at Mankameshwar temple, in Allahabad.

Sand art of Mahashivaratri

On the occasion of Mahashivratri, internationally acclaimed sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik created a sand sculpture of Lord Shiva at Puri beach in Odisha.