Shubh Maha Shivaratri (Sivarathri) – February 2012

(CHAKRA) On February 20th, 2012 millions of Hinduism followers around the world celebrated a festival dedicated to Lord Shiva called Maha Shivaratri (Sivarathri)

Maha Shivaratri means “The Night of Shiva”. The religious ceremonies mainly occur during night. This is a celebration observed in honor of Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva was married to Parvati on this day. This is the night when Shiva is said to have performed the Tandava or the dance of primordial creation, preservation and destruction.

People repeat the Panchakshara Mantra ’om namah shivaya’ as it is said he who utters the Names of Shiva during Shivaratri, 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 flock to the places where there are Shiva temples. Maha Shivaratri is a Hindu festival celebrated yearly on the 13th and 14th day in the Krishna Paksha (waning moon) of the month of Maagha or Phalguna in the Hindu calendar.

Maha Shivaratri is not all fun and joy everywhere. In Pakistan Hindus have complained that they celebrate Maha Shivaratri and other hindu festivals in fear with no security from the government and constant threats from Islamic extremist groups.

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