Tomorrow is Shivaratri

Tomorrow (8th March) in many parts of India people will be celebrating Maha Shivratri. Shivaratri means "the night of Shiva". Maha Shivratri is the night on which Lord Shiva and Parvati tied the knot and became one. Parvati is also considered as Shakti (power, energy). This Shiva-Shakti union also symbolizes the meeting of the Soul with the God.

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. along with the chanting of the Mantra "Om Namah Shivaya". Offerings of Bael leaves are made to the Lingam as Bael leaves are considered very sacred.