Asim Bando's KOLKATA BLOG

Pilgrims gathered yesterday at Bhu-kailash temple of Khiddirpur to worship Lord Shiva, due to Maha Shivaratri. -- A. B.

According to Purana, 13th day of new moon in the month of Maagha/Phalguna, marked for Maha Shivaratri (The great night of lord Shiva) as wished by the lord Shiva himself. So, traditionally the Hindu women pray for the welfare of husbands and sons as well as the unmarried women worship lord Shiva by fasting and pray for the handsome groom like lord Shiva. Another popular belief is that, on this day, the Shiva weded the Shakti. Alongwith pilgrims across the country, the women of Kolkata will also worship lord Shiva by fasting today. Maha Shivaratri is one of the most observed household festivals/rituals of Bengal, undoubtedly.-- A. B.