Maha Shivaratri is one of the most important Hindu holidays, celebrated annually in honor of God Shiva. It falls on the fourteenth night of August in the month of Phalguna in the Hindu lunar calendar, which usually falls in February or March in the Gregorian calendar.
Hindu Festival - Maha Shivaratri
Maha Shivaratri printable coloring book
Maha Shivaratri for children
Coloring Book Hindu Feast
Maha Shivaratri printable for kids
Maha Shivaratri
Hindu festival coloring book
Maha Shivaratri - interesting facts and information
- Meaning: "Maha Shivaratri" in Sanskrit means "The Great Night of Shiva." It is the night when Shiva is believed to have danced the tandava (the divine dance of creation, conservation and destruction) and when he married the goddess Parvati.
- Celebration: The faithful celebrate this festival by fasting and keeping vigil throughout the night. Temples are full of devotees who participate in rituals, chanting hymns and mantras in honor of God Shiva.
- Rituals: Traditional rituals include sluicing (bathing) the Shiva statue, especially with milk, yogurt, honey and water from the Ganges. The statue is then dressed in fresh clothes and decorated with flowers. The faithful offer bilva leaves (a deciduous tree sacred to Shiva) and dhatura fruit.
- Mantras: One of the most commonly recited mantras during Maha Shivaratri is "Om Namah Shivaya."
- Post: The faithful observe a strict fast, often eating nothing all day and night. Some may choose a milder form of fasting, eating only fruit and milk. The purpose of fasting is to cleanse the body and spirit.
- Jagran: The faithful keep vigil throughout the night, chanting hymns and mantras. It is believed that keeping vigil all night brings blessings from God Shiva.
- Significance for women: Maha Shivaratri is especially important for women, both married and unmarried. It is believed that fasting and prayers on this day bring blessings in the form of a good husband (similar to Shiva), and for married women, prosperity and long life for their husbands.
