On the fourteenth day of the month of Magha ( as per the Hindu calendar), a night before the new moon, Maha Shivratri is celebrated all across the country.
It is believed to be the night with the most potent spiritual energies. Devotees are suggested to fast during this day and break the fast only the next day after puja. It is also advised to stay awake and sit up straight and meditate on this night as the northern hemisphere of Earth is positioned in such a way that the energies are very high and beneficial for human kind.
In simpler lay man terms this is the night when of Lord Shiv married Goddess Parvati- symbolising the union of man and nature.
This year, this magical night fell on Saturday, the 18th of February. Like always, Gauri Shankar temple in N block was lit with the spirit of the festivities. A 3-day celebration left all devotees mesmerised.
On 17th evening Lord Shiva’s haldi ceremony was celebrated with devotional songs and dance by Shyam Sakhi mandal at the Gauri Shanker temple. The next day the doors were open for all for darshan of the beautifully adorned idols of Lord Ahiv & Maa Parvati. The arrangements were very systematic and there was no rush at the temple. Kheer prasad was also distributing to all. In the late evening the ritual of ‘Abhishekh’ of the Shiv Ling was performed. The celebrations ended the next day with distribution of Bhandara Prasad that was open for all.
Maha Shivratri was also celebrated at the Bhramkumari Ashram in K block. There were cultural performances, bhajans and dance. An oath to speak less, speak softly and to speak politely, was taken by all. The Brahmkumari flag was hoisted after which a Brahman bhojan was served. The centre at K-11/26 is open for all who would like to be a part of the community.
