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Maha Shivaratri
Festival Significance
Maha Shivaratri, the Great Night of Shiva, is the most sacred night dedicated to Lord Shiva. It marks the night when Shiva performed the cosmic dance (Tandava) and is celebrated with night-long vigil, fasting, and worship.
Rituals
Observe fast from sunrise. Perform Shiva Puja during four prahar of the night with milk, curd, honey, and ghee abhishek. Chant Om Namah Shivaya. Offer bel patra, dhatura, and blue flowers.
Fasting
Strict 24-hour fast, often nirjala. Some consume only fruits and milk. Fast is broken the next morning after puja.
In Varanasi
Varanasi, the city of Shiva, celebrates Maha Shivaratri with unmatched fervor. Kashi Vishwanath Temple sees millions of devotees. A grand procession (Shahi Sawari) of Lord Shiva passes through the lanes of the old city. Every Shiva temple in Varanasi is illuminated and packed with worshippers.