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| Festivals News |
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Festivals |
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03 September 2010 |
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25 August 2010 |
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02 March 2010 |
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22 January 2010 |
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| Vadodara Uttrayan Utshav - 2010 |
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01 September 2009 |
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30 June 2009 |
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05 March 2008 |
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| Maha Shivaratri is celebrated on the 14th day of the dark half of 'Magsar' month. Shivratri means "the night of Shiva".
Maha Shivaratri is celebrated on the 14th day of the dark half of 'Magsar' (February-March) month. Shivratri means "the night of Shiva". On this day, most of The ceremonies take place at night. This is a festival observed in honour of Lord Shiva and it is believed that on this day Lord Shiva was married to Parvati.
On this festival people worship 'Shiva - the Destroyer'. This night marks the night when Lord Shiva danced the 'Tandav'.
People observe a strict fast on this day. Some devotees do not even take a drop of water and they keep vigil all night. The Shiva Lingam is worshipped throughout the night by washing it every three hours with milk, curd, honey, rose water, etc., whilst the chanting of the Mantra "Om Namah Shivaya" continues. Offerings of Beel Patras are made to the Shiv Linga as Beel Patras are considered very sacred and it is said that Goddess Lakshmi resides in them.
Hymns in praise of Lord Shiva, such as the "Shiva Mahimna Stotra" of Pushpadanta or Ravana's "Shiva Tandava Stotra" are sung with great fervour and devotion. People repeat the 'Panchakshara' Mantra, "Om Namah Shivaya". He, who utters the names of Shiva during Shivratri, with perfect devotion and concentration, is freed from all sins. He reaches the abode of Shiva and lives there happily. He is liberated from the wheel of births and deaths.
Many pilgrims dock to the places where there are Shiva temples.
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