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Cultural and Religious Observances title with an image of a man smiling, a religious stained glass window, a woman wearing a hijab and colorful Indian art made with sand and flower petals

Cultural and religious observances – March 8-14, 2021

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Maha Shivaratri

Photo of a Lord Shiva statue
Lord Shiva. Photo credit: Yashawanth, Wikimedia.org

Culture/religion: Hindu
Date: March 11

Maha Shivaratri is an annual celebration that falls on the new day in the Hindu month of Maagha, and is dedicated to the worship of the Hindu God, Lord Shiva.

Though there are different origin stories for the festival, it is believed to be the day Lord Shiva married Goddess Parvati. Another belief holds that Goddess Parvati pleaded with Lord Shiva to save the earth from destruction. He agreed, but only on the condition that its inhabitants worshipped him with dedication and passion.

Maha Shivaratri is one the most favored of the 12 Shivaratris observed each year. Some celebrate the festival during the day, while other celebrate at night where men and women come together and sing religious hymns.

Sources:

Maha Shivaratri 2020: History, significance, why Lord Shiva is worshipped on this day, Hindustantimes.com