Maha Shivaratri

Maha Shivaratri is particularly important in the Shaivism tradition of Hinduism. Unlike most
Hindu festivals which are celebrated during the day, Maha Shivaratri is celebrated at night. Furthermore, unlike most Hindu festivals which include expression of cultural revelry, theMaha Shivaratri is a solemn event notable for its introspective focus, fasting, meditationonShiva, self study, social harmony and an all-night vigil at Shiva temples. The celebration includes maintaining a jagaran, an all-night vigil and prayers, because ShaivaHindus mark this night as “overcoming darkness and ignorance” in one’s life and the worldthrough Shiva. Offerings of fruits, leaves, sweets and milk are made to Shiva, some performall-day fasting with Vedic or tantric worship of Shiva, and some perform meditative yoga. InShiva temples, the sacred Panchakshari mantra of Shiva, “Om Namah Shivaya” is chantedthroughout the day. Devotees praise Shiva through the recitation of the hymn called theShivChalisa.