Bengaluru: The Garden City is bustling with preparations as devotees gear up to celebrate Maha Shivaratri on February 26, 2025. The city is witnessing an atmosphere of devotion, with temples being decorated, markets flooded with shoppers, and people preparing for the traditional observances of the festival.
With the festival just around the corner, markets across Bengaluru are experiencing a surge in activity. Devotees are thronging flower stalls, fruit vendors, and pooja supply shops to buy essentials for their rituals. Marigolds, jasmine, and bilva leaves, considered sacred for Lord Shiva, are in high demand. Traders report that the festive rush has led to a slight increase in prices, particularly for flowers and dairy products, which are essential offerings for the deity.
The rising summer heat has added to the hustle and bustle, but devotees remain undeterred, eagerly making purchases to ensure a seamless celebration. As part of the religious observances, many devotees are observing traditional fasting, consuming only fruits, milk, or special vrat foods.
A day before the festival, some follow the practice of eating a single meal to prepare their minds and bodies for worship. On Maha Shivaratri, devotees wake up early, take a purifying bath, and dress in new clothes before performing the pooja, which is often conducted multiple times throughout the night.
Offerings of milk, honey, ghee, and bilva leaves are made to Shiva Lingams at temples and in homes. Many devotees also engage in continuous chanting of 'Om Namah Shivaya' and listen to mythological stories associated with Lord Shiva, reinforcing their spiritual connection.
Maha Shivaratri, known as the 'Great Night of Shiva', holds deep spiritual significance. It is believed to mark the divine marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati and symbolises the balance of cosmic energies. The festival also signifies victory over darkness and ignorance, encouraging devotees to meditate, seek wisdom, and strengthen their faith.
To manage the heavy influx of devotees, the Traffic Department has issued guidelines to ensure smooth vehicular movement, particularly around major temples in the city. Authorities have urged people to use public transportation and park vehicles in designated areas to ease congestion. Additional traffic personnel will be deployed to regulate movement and assist worshippers during peak hours.
As Bengaluru prepares for Maha Shivaratri, the blend of devotion, cultural traditions, and community efforts highlights the deep spiritual roots of the festival. The celebrations promise to bring people together in prayer, reflection, and reverence for Lord Shiva.
