Maha Shivaratri

Maha Shivaratri is celebrated on the Krishna Paksha of Phalguna month, which results in different dates every year. This year, it takes place on February 18. The following day after midnight, puja is celebrated with feasting, fairs, and more. Many people also observe a fast on this day. Members of the South Indian Lingayat sect give gifts to their gurus or spiritual guides. Maha Shivaratri directly translates to ‘the Great Night of Shiva,’ as it is presumably the night Shiva performed the Tandava Nritya, a dance of preservation, creation, and destruction. It is also believed to be the night Shiva drank the poison of negativity, holding it in his throat to save the world, which in turn turned his throat blue. Another belief is that this was the day Shiva reunited with his love Parvati.

In Hinduism, this is a solemn festival marking the overcoming of darkness and ignorance in…