Sri Maha Shivaratri - The Night of Universal Lord Shiva. Shiva means "Auspicious". This is one of the famous festival celebrated by all Hindus in honor of Lord Shiva. The festival would be on Monday, February 23, 2009. The ceremonies mainly take place at night in all shiva temples. The legend says Lord Shiva married Parvati Ma on this occasion. On the auspicious occasion, devotees observe fast and keep vigil whole night. Mahashivaratri marks the night when Lord Shiva performed the Tandava. The devotees offer fruits, flowers and bel leaves otherwise called as Vilva leaves to Lord Shiva Linga on this day. Bel leaf is the favorite of Lord Shiva.

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