Maha Shivaratri 2024: How do you pray to Lord Shiva on the occasion? Read on...

Maha Shivratri 2024: Maha Shivratri will be celebrated on March 8, 2024. And it is going to be a Friday. The Hindu festival is celebrated annually in honour of Lord Shiva. Devotees observe the holy night with devotion. It is believed that it's the time when Lord Shiva performs the heavenly dance called Tandava. 

Shivaratri meaning ‘The Night of Shiva’ is celebrated on the ‘Magh Chaturdasi’. While ‘Krishna Paksha Chaturdasi’ of every month is called Shivaratri, this one is the Maha Shivaratri because it is believed to be the day when Lord Shiva is the happiest. 

The Hindu calendar is lunisolar but most festival dates are specified using the lunar portion of the calendar. Here are the auspicious timings for Maha Shivaratri, according to the Drik Panchang:

Maha Shivaratri 2024: Date and Time

Rituals: On Shivaratri, devotees should eat only during the day. 

One ideally starts the day by having a headbath and by performing puja with devotion. 

Devotees should also take a second bath on Shivratri day in the evening.

Shiva Puja must be performed at night. The devouts must break their fast the next day after taking a bath.

Offerings: Fruits, cow milk, honey, and other foods are offered to Lord Shiva, who is known to be a God who loves simple, austere offerings. 

Bael leaves or Maredu dalam leaves are considered highly auspicious for this occasion and are placed on the Lingam.