Today, Hindus all over the world will be celebrating Maha Shivratri, the moment when Shiva was married to the goddess Lady Parvati and this is why single women pray for their ideal husband at this time, whilst married women pray for their husband’s wellbeing.
What is Maha Shivratri
This is also the date that Lord Shiva performed the Tandava – the dance of creation, preservation and destruction. As with many of the world’s great festivals, Maha Shivratri is based on the lunar calendar and therefore from a Western perspective seems to move slightly each year.
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The date was chosen by the god himself when, after the world was created, Lady Parvati asked him which day of the year was his favourite and he replied the 14th night of the new moon in the month of Phalgun. The night before Maha Shivratri people fast and sing hymns to Lord Shiva. Hindu temples are decorated with lights and offerings of woodapple leaves, cold water and milk are made to Lord Shiva.
It is believed that fasting and praying on this day win the God’s favour and that he will ensure that those who do so will be blessed with good luck
