Maha Shivaratri

Hindu festival · Shiva · spring celebration · spiritual dance

A Festival for Shiva. Maha Shivaratri is an annual Hindu festival that happens between February and March. It celebrates the powerful god Shiva and his amazing abilities.

The Cosmic Dance. One reason people celebrate is that Shiva performed a sacred ritual dance called tandava. This dance is thought to be so powerful that it can shake the whole universe.

A Holy Marriage. The festival also marks the wedding of Shiva and his wife Parvati. Their marriage is an important moment in Hindu mythology and beliefs.

Following the Moon. Maha Shivaratri happens on a specific lunar night (the dark part of the moon cycle) in the month of Magha or Phalguna. People across different regions celebrate on the same moon night, even if the month name changes where they live.