Maha Shivratri is one occasion that has a lot of importance among the deities of Lord Shiva. This day is celebrated throughout the Hindus in India and across the world; and is very highly observed in the state of Uttar Pradesh. Maha Shivratri falls on the 13th /14th day of dark half of 'Phalgun' during February-March. His day is especially celebrated to remember the night when Lord Shiva danced his angry dance form of Tandava. A festival observed in the belief that on this night Lord Shiva was married to Parvati.

Shiva...the word that means auspicious - is one of the Hindu trinity which comprises of Lord Brahma, the creator, Lord Vishnu, the preserver and Lord Shiva, the Destroyer and Re-Producer of life. Shiva is known by many names like "Shankar", "Mahesh", "Bholenath", "Neelkanth", "Shambhu Kailasheshwar", "Umanath", "Nataraj" and others.

Lord Shiva has the most number of deities amongst the Hindus who pray to him with great devotion, believing that with his benevolence, Lord Shiva would grant them with all their dearest wishes. Many interesting stories are made around Lord Shiva’s wonders, and reveal that although he is the bringer of destruction to the world, he is also blessed with a very soft and kind heart, which gets peeved at seeing his deities in hardships.

This day is also marked with people observing a very strict fast on this day to please the Lord Shiva. Some do not even prefer to swallow even a drop of water throughout the day, and only break their abstinence after the worshipping gets over the nest day. The Lingam of Lord Shiva is worshipped throughout the night by cleansing every three hours with milk, curd, honey, rose water, etc. Among the loud chanting of "Om Namah Shivaya", offerings of Bale leaves are made to the Lingam.