Every year, in February or March, there is a celebration dedicated to Lord Shiva, the ultimate deity of rebirth and destruction.
The festival is scheduled on March 8 this year. Maha Shivratri is observed in numerous Indian states.
Maha Shivratri has its roots in ancient Hindu scriptures, specifically the Puranas, which tell the story of the ocean churning, or Samudra Manthan.
Visits to Shiva temples are customarily marked with offerings of “bilva” leaves, milk, honey, and water to the deity’s famous lingam, which stands for purity and devotion.