Millions Celebrate Shivaratri Across India
Millions of devotees across India are celebrating Maha Shivaratri, a sacred Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of Hinduism’s most revered deities. The festival is marked by prayers, fasting, and night-long vigils, with devotees gathering at temples to seek blessings.
Rituals and Traditions
Devotees perform Abhishekam by pouring milk, water, and honey over the Shiva Linga, a symbolic representation of Lord Shiva. Many observe day-long fasts, engage in chanting prayers, and stay awake all night, singing bhajans in devotion.
Mass Gatherings at Sacred Temples
Prominent temples across India, including Kashi Vishwanath (Varanasi), Kedarnath (Uttarakhand), and Somnath (Gujarat), witness massive gatherings. In Jammu and Uttar Pradesh, thousands line up to offer prayers, while in Nepal’s Pashupatinath Temple, Indian and Nepali devotees celebrate together.
Shivaratri and the Maha Kumbh Mela
This year’s Maha Shivaratri coincides with the final day of the Maha Kumbh Mela, a spiritual event held once every 12 years. Millions have taken ritual dips at the Sangam—the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati Rivers in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh.
Sadhu Traditions and Holy Offerings
Hindu Sadhus (holy men) mark the occasion by smearing ash on their bodies and engaging in traditional rituals. Some also smoke marijuana, a practice permitted during the festival as an offering to Shiva.
Tragic Stampede at Maha Kumbh Mela
Despite the grand celebrations, tragedy struck earlier in the festival when a stampede resulted in at least 30 deaths, as millions rushed to take a holy dip in the sacred waters. Authorities have since increased security measures to ensure the safety of devotees.
Conclusion
Shivaratri remains a deeply spiritual and widely celebrated festival, symbolizing devotion, discipline, and faith in Lord Shiva. With millions gathering in temples and sacred sites, the festival showcases India’s rich cultural heritage and its enduring traditions.
