Maha Shivratri or the Great Night of Lord Shiva is celebrated on February 26, 2025 by devotees all across the globe.
Devotees observe a strict fast eating only fruits and water and some even opting for ‘nirjala vrat’ (fasting without even taking water).
They conduct poojas and prayers during the day; the ardent devotees prefer to stay awake in the night meditating and chanting mantras.
There are many stories associated with Shivratri and the most popular belief is that this was the day when Lord Shiva consumed Halahal, the poison that came out of the Samudra Manthan, to protect the universe.
Another belief is that Lord Shiva performed the Tandav—the divine dance—on this night.
Some believe that Maha Shivratri is the night when Lord Shiva and Maa Parvati got married.
Shivratri is widely celebrated in India and Nepal with all the major Shiva temples are flocked by thousands of devotees.