According to the Hindu calendar, the holy festival of Mahashivratri falls on the 14th day of the dark fortnight of the Phalgun month (February or March). Mahashivratri, which also means “The Great Night of Shiva”, is celebrated to honour Lord Shiva. It is believed that Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati got married on this day. We can find devotees in huge numbers visiting Shiva Temples, fasting for the whole day and night, chanting mantras, offering prayers to Lord Shiva, and doing meditation. They also offer flowers, fruits, coconut, dhatura, and bhang to the Shiva idol and the Shivlings.
The basic idea behind Mahashivratri is to “Overcome darkness and ignorance” from our lives and work on self-discovery towards the path of virtue and ethics. One can hear devotees chanting the sacred Panchakshari mantra “Om Namah Shivaya”, and Shiv Chalisa throughout Mahashivratri. The Shivlings are bathed in the Ganga, and then with milk and honey, the vermilion paste is applied on the idol.
However, if we are at home during this divine festival, we can still celebrate it with great devotion and rituals and spiritually adorn our home for this auspicious day.
Celebrating Mahashivratri at home can be a wonderful opportunity to decorate your space in a way that honors Lord Shiva and creates a sacred atmosphere.