Culture
Shiv Ratri is also the night that Shiva performs 'Tandava' the heavenly dance. When is Shiv Ratri this year?
The confusion is between two dates, i.e 8th or 9th March. But this year Maha Shivratri will be celebrated on 8th March
Chaturdashi Tithi starts: 09:57 pm on March 08, 2024 and will end on 06:17 pm on Mar 09, 2024
The day is celebrated as the union of Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Shiva and Parvati's idols are worshipped
Devotees keep fast not only to please God but also as a test to their determination and self perseverence
After keeping fast for the whole day, devotees bathe the Shiva Linga with milk, honey, water. Aparajita flowers and Bel (stone apple) leaves are used for the puja
A popular mantra associated with the celebration of Maha Shivaratri, a Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Shiva, is the 'Om Namah Shivaya' mantra
The festival is celebrated in India, Nepal and also parts of West Indies