Mahashivaratri in Varanasi
Varanasi is considered the city of Lord Shiva, Mahashivaratri festival holds immense importance here. Mahashivaratri (the great night of Shiva) falls on the fourteenth day of the dark fortnight of Phalguna (February/March) and is dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva. Mahashivaratri festival is purely religious in nature and observed by all Hindus. On the occasion of Mahashivaratri, all Shiva temples of Varanasi are tastefully decorated.
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF MAHA SHIVRATRI
There are various prevailing legends related to this festival. The most significant of all is that the festival marks the wedding of Shiv and Parvati. On this day, two devotees are dressed as Shiv and Parvati, whom the whole crowd follows dancing.
It's not just a one-day celebration but all the other wedding customs by Kashi Vishwanath temple are also performed with grandeur with a chain of events. The main participation is by the Mahant Family of the temple who host ceremonies such as Tilak on Basant Panchami, Haldi - one day prior to Mahashivratri, marriage on Maha Shivratri & Gauna on Rang Bhari Ekadashi.
It's not just a one-day celebration but all the other wedding customs by Kashi Vishwanath temple are also performed with grandeur with a chain of events. The main participation is by the Mahant Family of the temple who host ceremonies such as Tilak on Basant Panchami, Haldi - one day prior to Mahashivratri, marriage on Maha Shivratri & Gauna on Rang Bhari Ekadashi.
