All you need to know about the Hindu festival: Mahashivaratri! 

" Universe bow to LORD SHIVA, 

       I bow to LORD SHIVA!" 

Mahashivratri is a Hindu festival celebrated in honor of Lord Shiva. The festival is not only celebrated in India and Nepal, but also in parts of the West Indies which have over 400 Hindu temples across the country.

 Mahashivratri is celebrated on a different day each year! So on 2021, Mahashivratri is on 11th March. 

Shiv: lord of destruction- Shiva 

Ratri: night 

• Many people believe that Mahashivratri is celebrated because of the grand wedding of Lord Shiva (God of Destruction, Meditation, Yoga, Time and Dance; The Destroyer of Evil; Parabrahma, Supreme Being Shaivism) and goddess Parvati (goddess of fertility, love, beauty, harmony, marriage, children, and devotion; as well as of divine strength and power.)
• Few believe that Lord Shiva drank the poison (halahala/kaalakoota) to save the world. Goddess Parvati was shocked and she gripped lord Shiva's neck to stop him from swallowing the poison. That's is why lord Shiva neck is blue (hence, he is called Neelkanth)
• However, according to some this auspicious day is celebrated as Lord Shiva performed 'Tandava' the dance of primal creation, devastation, and protection. 

It has something to do with the astronomical phase of the planet. Everything that happens in the solar system on Mahashivratri, happens to you in some or another way. On this day, there is an upsurge or multiplication of energy.

• There are 12 Shivratri in a year but Mahashivratri is the most promising and important out of all. 

This auspicious festival of Mahashivratri falls on the 14th night of the new moon during Krishna paksha in the Hindu calendar's month Phalgun. (February-march of English calendar) 

Celebration: 

1. All the devotees keep a fast through day and night and also visit Shiva temples by wearing fresh clothes and they open their fast by taking Prasad offered to the deity. 
2.  Devotees also perform ritual baths of Shiva lingam with milk, water, and honey. The Shiva lingam is also decorated with fresh flowers and worshippers apply Haldi- kumkum on the Shiva lingam. 
3. Aarti and devotional songs take place at the temples.
4. It is also advised to worship the 'Rudraksha' as it removes all the negative energies. 
5. Devotees chant 'OM NAMAH SHIVAY' along with different names. 
6. Devotees also participate in the Rudrabhishek Puja on Mahashivratri to wash their sins out and welcome peace and happiness in their lives. (Lord Shiva is also known by the name of Rudra - that represents his fiercest form. The Rudrabhishek refers to the ritual bath of the Shiva Lingam. It is one of the most substantial and prominent and traditional ceremonies to please Lord Shiva and is seen as the incredible and greatest spiritual puja in all the Vedic scriptures.)

It is believed that the one who keeps fast can neglect and restrain the feeling of annoyance, desires, and jealousy or grudge and continue a Happy Life! 

People also stay awake on this auspicious day because this is the sacred night of the year and we can overcome grief, darkness, and ignorance, and insensibility!

• Main do's in Mahashivratri:- 

1. Spent time listening to devotional songs and aartis of Lord Shiva

2. Stay awake and worship Lord Shiva! 

3. Visit Shiva temple. 

4. Keep fast 

Main don't in Mahashivratri:- 

1. Don't just try to kill the time during Shivratri by watching movies or wasting time playing games. Abstain from any kind of indulgence. You should dedicate this precious and invaluable time only to cherish the Lord with full emphasis and devotion.

4. Never resort to falsehood and quarrels on this day. Do not eat non-vegetarian food. Refrain from consuming alcohol and any other kind of addictive stuff.

5. Do not sleep, and think of the Creator! 

                                             -ॐ नमः शिवाय