Mahashivaratri is celebrated on Chaturdashi of Falgun Krishna Paksha. Shivaratri is a day of joy and celebration for the devotees of lord Shiva. It is said that once goddess Parvati worshipped lord Shiva with full devotion. Pleased by this lord Shiva said that whoever will observe the fast of Mahashivarati and perform his Puja with full faith, all wishes of that person will get fulfilled. From that day the Mahatmya of Shivaratri fasting was spread in the world.

Lord Shiva was married to Devi Parvati on the day of Mahashivaratri. Hence the significance of Shivaratri increases. A person who worship God Shiva and Mata Parvati, on this day, gets the blessing and grace of lord. Jagaran is performed in the night. Shiva day, gets the blessing and grace of lord. Jagaran is performed in the night. Shiva Katha and Bhajans are organised.

Shivarati Fast

People observe the fast of Shivaratri according to their faith and capability. Some do fasting without having food and water on the day and night of Shivaratri. Whereas, some people observe fast for the full day and have fruits at night. And, some have sweet food at night. Similar to the fasting manner, the food eaten on this day also varies from person to person.

Mahashivarati in Punjab and Sindh Provinces

In Punjab and Sindh, lord Shiva is made to have a make up on the night of Shivaratri. He is offered Halwa of Kuttu, gram and fruits. People observing fast, eat this Prasaad together with their family members. Worshippers perform Jagran at night by signing Bhajans and Kirtin of lord Shiva. On this night, fruit chat is also eaten.

Shivaratri in Uttar Pradesh and Uttaranchal

Kashi Vishwanath Mahadev temple is situated in Varanasi of Uttar Pradesh. After the partition of Uttar Pradesh, Uttaranchal came into existence. Before this, Kedarnath Mahadev was also located in Uttar Pradesh. On the occasion of Shivaratri, worshippers perform Jalabhishek and Dugdhabhishek in Shiva temple of Uttar Pradesh and Uttranchal. Lord Shiva is offered Dhatura and its fruits. Many people who observe this fast, they eat fruits. Kheer of Sabudana, bannana and apples are eaten. Even Ramdana and Halwa of Kattu is also taken.

Shivarati in Jharkhand and Bihar

People of Bihar and Jharkhand are the followers of Baba Bholenath. They are truly devoted for Baba Baidyanth. With full faith and devotion, people observe the fast of lord Shiva. Some people keep the Akhand fast (24 hours fasting) without having water or food, on the occasion of Mahashivaratri. Mamy worshipers, perform Shiva Puja at night and eat fruits. They also have Kheer made of Makhane and Sabudana. There are some people, who fast for the whole day and eat sweet food at night which include Chuda and curd. Even, Malpua and Kheer is eaten on this day.