India Travel Update 
Introduction to the Mahashivratri
The prettiness of glossy Rajasthan is elaborated with the festivities that take place with much admired good cheer and mirth in the temples. Hindu lords are looked upon with great deference and esteem as the Rajput rulers of those times of yore were their big fan. So, being the admirer of art and venerated Hindu gods, they constructed innumerable shrines to honor them. Of all those temples, Lord Mahadeva temples also have a special position in which the festival of Mahashivaratri is expressed with full passion and cheerfulness.
History of the Mahashivratri
The Mahashivratri has got many fables attached to it. Once Lord Shiva decided to marry ‘Sati’ the daughter of king Daksh but when he opposed this marriage, Sati jumped into the fire and sacrificed herself. When Lord Shiva got to know about this, he created a complete mess. It infuriated him and he started performing Tandava. After seeing all this, rest of the heavenly gods decided to reincarnate her, which they did and gave her the new form of Parvati who later got married to Lord Shiva and such auspicious day of their marriage further renowned as 'Mahashivratri'. So, in this way several folklores are linked with this significant festival.
Description of the Mahashivratri
In Rajasthan, India, the celebration of Mahashivratri has a great meaning especially for the followers of Lord Shiva. They are said to pray with ardent faith and firmness. This unyielding approach will surely forgive all their sins and free them from cycle of life and death. On the other end, it is seen that the women folk are the enthusiastic participants of this festival and fervently pray to the lord to bless them with darling husbands and if married they pray for their wellbeing. After fasting entire day, they embellish themselves with stunning clothes, go to the temple and offer holy prayers. Lord Shiva is immersed with honey and milk, bel leaves and flowers are also mandatory to offer. Entire vicinity is drenched with the sounds of Lord Shiva 'Om Namah Shivay'.
Not only this, the night looks glistening with Jaagran if organized in some of the temples and womenfolk of Rajasthan sing devotional songs in eulogize of Shivji and the culminate point of the entire celebration is the time when the food is offered to the god, further eaten by all the assembled pilgrims as Prasad.
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Rajasthan
