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Maha Shivratri

Maha Shivratri is one of the most sacred festivals in Hinduism, dedicated to Lord Shiva and observed with deep devotion across India and other parts of the world. Celebrated on the 14th night of the dark fortnight in the month of Phalguna, the festival symbolises the convergence of spiritual awareness, discipline, and inner transformation.

Unlike most Hindu festivals that are marked by daytime rituals and celebration, Maha Shivratri is observed through night-long prayers, fasting, and meditation. Devotees believe that staying awake on this night helps elevate consciousness and brings one closer to Lord Shiva’s energy. Temples resonate with chants of “Om Namah Shivaya”, creating an atmosphere of devotion and reflection.

Rituals include the ceremonial bathing of the Shiva Lingam with water, milk, honey, and bel leaves, each offering carrying symbolic meaning. While water represents purity, milk signifies nourishment, and bel leaves are believed to please Lord Shiva the most. Fasting on Maha Shivratri is seen as a way to practise self-control and cleanse both body and mind.

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Memories of Maha Kumbh: How 3 million foreigners will remember the oneness

Of the 650 million devotees at the Maha Kumbh 2025 in Prayagraj, 3 million were visitors from abroad. From a sense of security and being comfortable despite a massive crowd to an overwhelming feeling of oneness, foreigners narrate their Kumbh experience. For many, the Kumbh Mela was their primer to understanding India and Indians.

Shivratri every month, Maha Shivratri once a year – know why

Shivratri is observed every month on the 14th lunar day, dedicated to Lord Shiva, while Maha Shivratri, celebrated once a year, holds special significance as it marks the divine union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Here’s a detailed explanation of both these auspicious occasions.

Varanasi's Shiv baraat procession rescheduled amid Kumbh mela influx

For the first time in over four decades, Varanasi's iconic Shiv Baraat procession will take place a day after Maha Shivratri, adjusting to the massive influx of Kumbh Mela devotees. The annual depiction of Lord Shiva's marriage ceremony is moving to February 27 to manage unprecedented crowds.

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Watch: Pre-partition temple in Lahore hosts grand Maha Shivratri celebrations

As Hindu devotees around the globe celebrated Maha Shivratri with fervent prayers, bhajans, and special pujas, a historic temple in Lahore, Pakistan, also joined in the festivities. A temple India Today visited, built before the partition, welcomed devotees from early morning and continued the celebrations till late at night.

55 crore devotees have taken holy dip at Maha Kumbh so far, says UP government

The Uttar Pradesh government declared that at least 55 crore devotees have taken a holy dip at the Maha Kumbh mela in Prayagraj, releasing a drone visual of lakhs of devotees taking a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam on Tuesday. The mega event, that occurs every 144 years, began on January 13 and will end on Maha Shivratri, which falls on February 26.

Will PM's Jammu and Kashmir visit deliver in polls? Experts debate on Rahul Kanwal's show

The big focus of this episode of Newstrack is on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Jammu and Kashmir visit that came after nearly five years of abrogation of Article 370. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday dedicated to the nation multiple development projects worth more than Rs 6,400 crore at the 'Viksit Bharat Viksit Jammu Kashmir'. The prime minister also extended his "advance wishes" for the upcoming holy month of Ramzan and Maha Shivratri, which falls on Friday.