Shivaratri (The night of Lord Shiva) is dedicated to god Shiva. This is one of the most spiritually important festivals. The festival is celebrated on Magha Krishna Chaturdashi (Magha masa Krishna paksha Chaturdashi tithi).
Puranas contain many stories and legends describing the origin of this festival. According to one legend, Shiva gulped the halahala (poison) emerged during churning of the ocean (samudra manthan) and beheld it in his throat on this day. Shivaratri is the celebration of this event by which Shiva saved the world. According to another legend, Shiva and Parvati got married on this night. Yet a different legend states that Shiva performs his divine dance (tandava nritya).
The festival was celebrated at night in olden days, but today most of us celebrate the festival during the day. Though all the festive preparations like cleaning and decorating with mango leaves and rangolis is done, the festive dishes are limited to any kind of sweet dish with milk to offer Shiva.
All day long we keep complete or partial fast. The complete fast is with no food at all during the day and taking very light food like fruits at night. Partial fast is by refraining from specific food like rice, grains, and specific vegetables like onions. Instead, only fruits, vegetables, milk, and milk products are consumed.
Whole day people focus on keep chanting mantra and shlokas dedicated to Shiva. The special Pooja is performed offering Patre / Bilva Patra (Bael leaf), Chilgi chande (kind of flower), and Ekka (Aak / Madar) flowers which are favourite to Lord Shiva.
