Maha Shivaratri is a Hindu festival celebrated
annually in honour of the God Shiva. There is a Shivaratri in every luni-solar
month of the Hindu calendar, on the month's 13th night /14th
day, but once a year in late winter (February/March, or Phalguna) and before
the arrival of spring, marks Maha Shivaratri which means "the Great Night
of Shiva".
It is a major festival in Hinduism, but one that is
solemn and marks a remembrance of "overcoming darkness and ignorance"
in life and the world. It is observed by remembering Shiva and chanting
prayers, fasting, doing Yoga and meditating on ethics and virtues such as
self-restraint, honesty, non-injury to others, forgiveness and the discovery of
Shiva.The ardent devotees keep awake all night. Others visit one of the Shiva
temples or go on pilgrimage to Jyotirlingams. This is an ancient Hindu festival
whose origin date is unknown.
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