India takes time out to celebrate Maha Shivratri

February brought one of Hinduism’s most important festivals; Maha Shivratri.

The festival commemorates the salvation of creation by Lord Shiva, who drank demonic poison out of the ocean to prevent it wiping out the earth’s population, when asked by Lord Vishnu.

It is believed that the alighnment of planets and stars on Maha Shivratri create a natural surge of enemy in humans, making for vibrant celebrations.

The festival took place on 23rd February, during the thirteenth night and fourteenth day of the Krishna Paksha (waning moon) in the Hindu month Maagha.

Worshippers marked the occasion with music, dance, and the traditional rituals of making offerings of Bael leaves to Lord Shiva, a night long vigil (said to be beneficial to health) and a day long fast.