Some also offer honey, curd, ghee and sweets alongside milk, and light incense sticks and ring the temple bell to invoke the blessing of Lord Shiva. The vrata marks a very high significance for every Shiva devotee, with some opting to even go on fasting through the day without a single drop of water, majority of devotees observe a special fast consisting largely of fruits along with plenty of water and milk which keeps them hydrated.For generations, Hindus have observed the fast with utmost diligence, scriptures say that if a devotee is able to manage the feat with sincerity, Lord Shiva absolves him of all his sins and blesses him with abundant prosperity.Majority of Hindus on Mahashivratri wake up and don fresh new clothes after a bath and head straight to the nearest Lord Shiva temple to place their offerings in the form of milk, fruits and bael leaves. While prayers and vigils go on throughout the night of Mahashivratri, what also makes the festival special is its characteristic fasting or the Mahashivratri Vrata.

Temples across the nation witness an outpour of devotees who gather around the Shiva Linga with their abundant offerings to appease Lord Shiva. Mahashivratri is one of the most significant festivals for the Hindu community.

Mahashivaratri is here, and Hindus all across the world have geared up to please their beloved deity on this auspicious day.

Maha shivratri 2019 upvas