Mahashivratri celebrations have spread across the globe, not just in India. On Monday night, chanting of ‘Shiva’ and ‘Shambhoo’ filled the air in New York’s Times Square.
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has greeted the people on the occasion of Maha Shivratri. Shri Modi also wished that may this great festival bring new energy in everyone’s life and also gives new strength to the resolutions of the country in Amritkaal.
In a X post, the Prime Minister said;
“देश के मेरे सभी परिवारजनों को महाशिवरात्रि की हार्दिक शुभकामनाएं। मेरी कामना है कि यह महापर्व हर किसी के जीवन में नई ऊर्जा लेकर आए और अमृतकाल में देश के संकल्पों को भी नई शक्ति प्रदान करे। जय भोलेनाथ!”
Sadhguru, the founder of the Isha Foundation, released a video of the enthusiasm in Times Square on X, which was once known as Twitter. The video shows Indians and others from all around the world dancing to the sounds of ‘Har Har Mahadev’.
“#TimesSquare, New York welcomes #Mahashivratri! The world is realising the significance of the Great Night of Shiva as a celebration of enhancing human potential and an opportunity for transformation. Let us make it happen,” he wrote.
#TimesSquare, New York welcomes #Mahashivratri! The world is realizing the significance of the Great Night of Shiva as a celebration of enhancing human potential and an opportunity for transformation. Let us make it happen. -Sg pic.twitter.com/koNh7yGxh0
— Sadhguru (@SadhguruJV) March 6, 2024
Mahashivratri is one of the most significant Hindu celebrations. It occurs on the 14th day of the dark (waning) half of the lunar month Phalguna or Magha, one day before the new moon. This year, it is commemorated on March 8. The celebration is described in ancient writings including the Skanda Purana, Linga Purana, and Padma Purana.
During the festival, devotees pray all night and engage in jagrans, believing that this will help them conquer darkness and ignorance. During the festival, devotees pray all night and participate in jagrans as it is believed that it can help overcome darkness and ignorance. Lord Shiva is offered belpatra, dhatura, milk, fruits, and sweets as the devotees observe a day-long fast from sunrise to sunset. The devotees also meditate, visit Shiva temples, recite mantras and prayers, and perform rituals associated with Lord Shiva. According to beliefs, fasting on Mahashivratri can help absolve past sins and negative karma and give one a new direction in life. It is also known for one to reflect on their true nature and attain salvation from the chakra of birth and death.
The festival is celebrated in different ways across states as well. While people in Odisha organise ‘Jagara’, a ‘mela’ is held in Gujarat. In Punjab, Shobha Yatras are organised by various Hindu organization’s. In West Bengal and Odisha, unmarried girls also observe a fast to find a suitable husband.
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