Tue Feb 25 02:50:00 UTC 2025: ## Maha Shivratri 2025: Devotees Prepare for Auspicious Festival

**New Delhi, [Date]** – Maha Shivratri, the grand Hindu festival honoring Lord Shiva, will be celebrated on February 26th, 2025. Across India, devotees will mark the occasion with elaborate celebrations, including processions (Shiv Barat) and various religious events.

The festival, observed on the 14th day of the Krishna Paksha in the Phalgun month according to the Hindu calendar, involves prayers, fasting, and nighttime devotional singing (bhajans). It is believed that sincere worship and the ritualistic pouring of water (abhishekam) over the Shiva lingam brings blessings and fulfills wishes.

For those planning to perform abhishekam, Acharya Udit Narayan Tripathi has provided a list of necessary materials. A simple abhishekam requires pure water, milk, yogurt, honey, Ganges water (Gangajal), belpatra leaves, sandalwood, flowers, ghee (clarified butter), incense, a lamp, and fruits. A more elaborate jalabhishek includes milk, yogurt, ghee, honey, sugar, bhang, dhatura, ak flowers, white sandalwood, wheat stalks, lotus stems, black sesame seeds, red flowers, betel nut, and roli (vermilion).

The abhishekam ritual, considered a sacred act of devotion, is believed to purify the devotee and bring them closer to Lord Shiva. Offering water to the Shiva lingam is seen as a way to gain divine grace and blessings.

This year’s Maha Shivratri promises to be a significant religious occasion for millions of Hindus across the country. Further details on rituals and celebrations will be shared closer to the date.

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