Marking the Great Night of Shiva - Mahashivaratri

COLOMBO (News1st) - Hindu devotees all over the country are celebrating the great festival of Maha Shivaratri today. The Maha Shivaratri festival, also popularly known as ‘Shivaratri’ or ‘Great Night of Shiva’, marks the convergence of Shiva and Shakti. The festival is principally celebrated by offerings of Bael leaves to Shiva, all-day fasting and an all-night vigil. Devotees of Lord Shiva, and Hindus in general, on the day of Maha Shivaratri observe fast, only drinking milk and eating fruits, they perform the elaborate pooja or ritual of worship to Lord Shiva with chants and hymns dedicated to him.