Mahashivaratri Festival is celebrated with devotion and religious fervor on the moonless 14th night of the new moon in the Hindu month of Phalgun. Devotees observe fast all through the day and night of Shivaratri in honor of Lord Shiva and pay a visit to Shiva temples. Ritual bath of Shiva Lingam with milk, water, honey etc is also performed by the devotees as a part of the tradition. Many believe that Shivaratri Festival marks the wedding day of Lord Shiva and Parvati. However, according to some legends, it was on the auspicious night of Shivaratri that Lord Shiva performed the Tandava, the dance of the primal creation, preservation and destruction.

So, if you are planning to observe the Mahashivratri vrat then take a look at these things that you should do while observing the fast.

• On Shivratri get up early, take bath and wear clean clothes.
• Holy bath on Shivaratri purifies body and soul. So, take bath in Ganga or nearby river. If this is not possible you can add some black sesame seeds into water and take bath.
• Take vow to observe full day fast and to break it on the next day.
• Now perform Maha Shivaratri puja. Worship Lord Shiva and Parvati.
• The main ritual of Shiva puja is performing Abhishek of Shiva Lingam.
• It can be performed using milk, rose water, sandalwood paste, yogurt, honey, Ghee, sugar and water.
• These six items form an essential part of Maha Shivaratri Puja. You must perform this simple puja ritual at home or in temple to please Lord Shiva.
• For those who perform four Prahar Puja, use water during first Prahar Abhishek, curd during second Prahar, Ghee during third and honey during fourth Prahar Abhishek.
• Offer flower, Bilva leaves, dhatura, sandalwood paste and vibhuti to Shiv lingam.
• You can also offer Ber or jujube fruit, betel leaves, incense sticks.
• Light lamp and Dhupa. Keep chanting Om Namah Shivaya.
• Finally perform Shiva Aarti and read 108 names of Shiva.
• Visit a nearby Shiva temple and seek blessings.
• Stay awake at night (Vigil) and spent the time chanting Shiva prayers.
• Next day morning break your fast after taking bath.

Mahashivratri Festival is also considered to be an extremely significant festival by women. Married and unmarried women observe fast and perform Shiva Puja with sincerity to appease Goddess Parvati who is also regarded as Gaura one who bestows marital bliss and long and prosperous married life. Unmarried women also pray for a husband like Lord Shiva who is regarded as the ideal husband. On the day of Maha Shivaratri, devotees chant Om Namah Shivaya and Har Har Mahadev. Devotees observing fast do not consume any eatables and cannot even drink a drop of water. On this day, temples are decorated and devotees pray all night. One of the biggest celebrations of Maha Shivratri takes place in Ujjain, known as Lord Shiva’s abode.

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