Each year, thousands of devotees observe Maha Shivratri fast with devoutness and earnestness. It it believed that a person who observes the Maha Shivratri Vrat, can control the two great natural forces that affect a man – Rajas Guna (the quality of passionate activity) and Tamas Guna (the quality of inertia). So, when a devotee worships Lord Shiva with great dedication, it cleanses the ignorance in the person and absolves all sins while killing desire, greed, arrogance, illusion, anger, and jealousy.
Customs and Traditions of Shivaratri Fast
The day begins with a holy bath that is taken with the water that is boiled with black sesame seeds to wash away all the impurities of the body and the soul. Once the sacred bath is taken, the devotees then wear fresh and clean clothes, and visit the near by temple or do the Puja at home. Many devotees also wear a Rudraksha Mala.
Haldi-kumkum is applied on the lingum, and a garland of white and pink lotus flowers is placed on it, along with Bel leaves that are placed at the top of the Lingum. Bhajans are sung in praise of Lord Shiva to seek his blessings and chants like Om Namah Shivaya are recited all through the day and night.
During the night, many devotees observe the strict fast and make sure that the Shiva Ling is given the holy bath after every three hours. The fast is broken the next morning by consuming the Prasad which is offered to Lord Shankar.
While many devotees go for a fruit diet and drink lots of water during this fast. Some people who observe this fast consume a mid-day meal as well. There are several types of shivratri vrat recipes which can be savoured during this festival. Some of these include Paneer Kheer, Sabudana Vada, Shrikhand, Sabudana Khichdi, Kuttu Ki Puri, Singhare Ka Halwa, etc.
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