Mahashivratri is a Hindu festival in honour of Shiva, the Supreme God in Hinduism. Mahashivratri also celebrates the wedding of Shiva to Sati, the divine mother.
The Mahashivratri festival is one of the few Hindu festivals which is celebrated during both the day and night. Most Hindu festivals are celebrated during the day. The festival is celebrated just prior to the new moon. While each new moon is dedicated to Shiva, Mahashivratri is especially important as it is the night when he danced the cosmic dance, Tandav.
In Hinduism, the night represents evil, injustice, ignorance, sin, violence and misfortune. Shiva is said to have appeared during the new moon to save the world from darkness and ignorance.
Celebrations include an observance of fasting and staying up all night at temples. Fasting is practiced through the night and is only broke the following morning. During the festival, Shiva is offered special food items made of seasonal fruit, vegetables and coconut. These offerings are called prasad and are then consumed in the morning after the new moon.
Young girls fast in hopes that Siva will bless them with a good husband. They sing songs in praise of Shiva and chant throughout the night.
Pujas (prayers) are performed four times during the night. The phallic symbol of Shiva is worshipped in temples by performing a bathing ritual of milk, water, honey, sandalwood paste. Following the bathing ritual, the symbol is adorned with flowers and garland.
