Mahashivratri: Record 21 lakh earthen diyas to be lit on ghats of Shipra river

It is believed that when you worship Lord Shiva, you are blessed with good health, prosperity and happiness

Mahashivratri is one of the most auspicious festivals in the country.

On the occasion, 21 lakh earthen lamps will be lit on the various ghats of the Shipra river on Mahashivratri tomorrow, February 18. Madhya Pradesh minister, Mohan Yadav said that Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan will attend the event. We will try and create a world record by lighting 21 lakh earthen lamps, Yadav also said.

This year Mahashivratri will be celebrated on February 18. During the festivals apart from prayers, the chants of 'Har Har Mahadeva' can be heard.

The Shivratri happens every lunisolar month of the Hindu calendar. However Mahashivrratri takes place once a year in February/March when the winter comes to an end and the spring and summer begins.

Mahashivratri is considered to be auspicious as it is the night of convergence of Lord Shiva and Shakti. This means that the male and female energies that keep the world are kept in balance. Shiva and Shakti are revered as the embodiment of lover, power and oneness.

Mahashivratri is celebrated in every state in the country.

During this day, Shiva devotees undergo a 24-hour fast that is broken only the next day in the morning. The Mahashivratri Puja is always performed at night unlike the rest of the festivals.

On this auspicious occasion, devotees consume only Satvik foods such as sabudana, ragi, vegetables and fruits.

Mahashivratri falls on the 14th night of the new Moon during the Hindu month of Phalguna or Maagha, usually in February or March.

The festival is observed with devotees visiting Temples and offering milk, honey and other holy items to Lord Shiva. They also perform rituals such as Rudra Abhishekha, which involves pouring water and other offerings on a Shiva Linga.

Mahashivratri is one of the most auspicious festivals in Hinduism. It is believed that on this day, Lord Shiva performed the Tandava, the cosmic dance of creation, preservation and destruction. It is further believed that observing a fast and the offering of prayers to Lord Shiva on this day will bring good health, happiness and prosperity.