The glorious traditions of art and culture the mythological legacy, row of ghats and temples, silk and carpet industries of this shining city offer a breathtaking experience to every visitor across the globe. Varanasi is one of the multifaceted cities of utter Pradesh. Among the various festivals celebrated in this holy city Mahashivratri is the most significant. Mahashivratri or shivratri means “The Night of Shiva” Being considered as the city of Lord Shiva, the festival of Mahashivratri holds an immense importance. The Maha Shivratri in Varanasi generally falls in the 13th or 14th day of the Hindu month of Phalgun (February – March).On this auspicious day all the temples are elegantly decorated .Marriage procession of Lord Shiva is taken out from Mahamrityunjaya Temple, Daranagar to Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
On this day the main center of religious activity and worship at Varanasi is the Kashi Vishvanath temple. It is one of the twelve Jyotirlingams of Lord Shiva and most visited pilgrimage of the world. Millions of pilgrims converge here to perform an abhishekam to Jyotirlingam with sacred water of river Ganga .The soul steering mantras, fragrance of incense, refreshing dip in the holy water of Ganga is truly a life time experience and a perfect bliss for the devotees. They offer milk, flowers, coconut, fruits etc. to shiva statues and shiva Lingams and sing bhajans in honour of Shiva. Many observe fasting throughout the day. This festival is most popular among the women who pray to the lord to be blessed with a husband like Him. A special drink which is prepared on this occasion popularly known as Thandai is very popular.It is a mixture of milk, almonds and cannabis.. In Varanasi, people visit nearby temples of Shiva and offer prayers in large numbers. The prayers and worship continue late into the night.
