The fourteenth day of every lunar month or the day before the new moon is known as Shivratri. Of all the twelve Shivratris that occur in a calendar year, Mahashivratri, is the one that is the most significant. It is believed that on this night, the northern hemisphere of earth is positioned in a way that there is a natural upsurge of energy in human beings. This festival is also known as “the festival of fasting.”

There are many stories of Shiva, but one of the most famous is regarding a hunter. This hunter was a skilled hunter, but a poor tribal man who was a great devotee of Shiva. One day he went deep into the forest to collect firewood. However, he lost his way and could not return home before nightfall. As darkness fell, he hears the howls of wild animals. Terrified, he climbs onto the nearest tree, a bilva tree, for shelter till daybreak. Perched amongst the branches, to stay awake, he decides to pluck a leaf at a time from the tree and drop it on the ground, while chanting the name of Shiva. At dawn, he realizes that he had dropped thousands of leaves onto a Linga. This all-night worship pleases Shiva, and the hunter is rewarded with divine bliss. This story is also recited on Mahashivaratri by devotees.

How to celebrate

Items required for puja

The following items should be purchased prior to the puja day.

One the day of the puja: clean the stoop and draw Rangoli, if possible, tie a string of mango leaves by the front door. Take a bath, wear clean cloths and follow the steps of the puja:

• Picture or Idol of Lord Shiva & Parvati in the Pooja room
• A dupatta or sari to offer to God/Goddess
• Plain water in Kalash (pitcher) (If invoking God in the Kalash)
• Fresh and washed mango leaves
• Bilva leaf
• Sandalwood
• One coconut
• Kumkum
• Turmeric
• Red sacred thread
• Rice
• Betel leaves and betel nuts
• Flowers
• Milk, honey, ghee and curds