Mahashivratri dos and don'ts: All you need to know fasting rules and rituals

Mahashivratri 2023 or the Great Night of Shiva is one of the most auspicious festivals in India.

This year, the festival dedicated to Lord Shiva is celebrated across the country on February 18 (Saturday).

It is observed on the Chaturdashi Tithi during Krishna Paksha in month of Magha, according to South Indian calendar. However according to North Indian calendar Masik Shivaratri in month of Phalguna is known as Maha Shivaratri. This year Chaturdashi Tithi begins at 08:02 PM on Saturday (Feb 18, 2023) and will culminate at 04:18 PM on Sunday (Feb 19, 2023).

The legends of Mahashivratri come from different stories, one is how Shiva swallowed Halahala poison to save the world, another is that Mahashivratri is the anniversary of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati's marriage. Devotees keep fast, chant prayers and keep an all-night vigil on Maha Shivratri.

Though, there are no strict rules for praying to Bholenath. However, in case you too are observing Mahashivratri fast, you should follow these Dos and Don'ts.

Dos of fasting

• On the day of the fast, wake up early, take a bath and wear clean clothes for puja
• Chant 'OM Namah Shivaya' as many times as possible.
• Milk, dhatura flowers, sandalwood paste, yoghurt, belpatra, ghee, honey and sugar are among the offerings made to Lord Shiva.
• It is advisable not to wear black for Mahashivaratri poojas. Hence, if you are fasting or going to the Shiva temple, choose colours such as red, pink and yellow.
• It is advised to fast with fruits or foods (Kheer or Halwa) that are easily digestible.
  One should especially make sure that the elders in the house are not hurt. Make extra efforts to help them and try to avoid confrontations with them.

Don'ts of fasting

• Do not offer vermillion (sindoor/kumkum) to the Shiva Linga.
• Offering coconut water to Shivling is not advisable.
• According to the ancient Hindu scriptures, one must never offer Tulsi (holy basil) to Lord Shiva. The reason is that Tulsi is considered to be an auspicious offering made only to
• Lord Vishnu. Hence, Tulsi is forbidden from Shiva poojas.
• Lord Shiva had cursed these flowers, hence both Champa and Ketki must never be used in Shiva prayers instead offering Bel Patra is a part of worshipping the 'Shivling'.
• Do not consume tobacco or alcohol.
• It is advisable if devotees stay away from food items such made from rice, wheat, and pulses.
• People generally avoid garlic, onion, and non-vegetarian meals because they are tamsik in nature.
• Don't do a full parikrama of the Shiva Linga. Go around in a semi-circle and return to where you started from.