Maha Shivratri 2024 LIVE: Worshippers of Lord Shiva swarm temples 

today, Friday, March 8, is Maha Shivratri. The event is widely observed throughout the nation and is devoted to the worship of Lord Shiva.

In India and among Hindu followers worldwide, the holy Hindu festival of Maha Shivratri, also known as Mahashivratri, is observed with great fanfare.

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It always occurs one day ahead of the new moon on the fourteenth day of the dark (waning) half of the lunar month of Phalguna or Magha.

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Adherents think it's the ideal moment for new starts and for cleansing their body, mind, and spirit.

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They visit temples, worship Lord Shiva, pray for his blessings, and observe a day-long fast known as the nirjala vrat.

Fasting has spiritual importance and is akin to worshiping Lord Shiva year-round. It can aid in salvation and the atonement of sins.

There are numerous stories connected to Maha Shivratri, ranging from the story of Lord Shiva ingesting the poison Halahala to the story of the holy marriage of Shiva and Parvati.

According to a different belief, Lord Shiva performed the divine dance of creation, preservation, and destruction on the night of Maha Shivratri.

Foods to Eat and Avoid During the Shivratri Fast. One should be careful when cooking because deep-fried foods raise the risk of chronic illnesses.

For those who adore Lord Shiva, this is the great night of fasting and devotion. The most significant of all the monthly Masik Shivratri celebrations is this annual event.

Fasting has spiritual importance and is akin to worshiping Lord Shiva year-round. It can aid in salvation and the atonement of sins.