Maha Shivratri in Varanasi

The most important night of the year in Kashi is Maha Shivratri, also known as the Great Night of Shiv. It is observed on the moonless night of the new moon during the Phalgun Maas in the North Indian Hindu calendar. In contrast, the same day is kept in the South Indian Hindu calendar during the Maagh Maas Krishna Paksha.

Though Shivratri falls on the fourteenth of every lunisolar month of the Hindu calendar, the one in late Winter and before the entrance of Summer (February/March) has the highest spiritual significance.

There are several famous legends surrounding this festival. The most important aspect of the celebration is that it commemorates Shiv and Parvati’s marriage.

On this day, two devotees are costumed as Shiv and Parvati, and the entire audience is dancing behind them. It is not only a one-day event but all of Kashi Vishwanath temple’s wedding rituals are also executed with grandeur via a series of festivities.

The major participants are the temple’s Mahant Family, who host rites such as Tilak on Basant Panchami, Haldi a day before Mahashivratri, marriage on Maha Shivratri, and Gauna on Rang Bhari Ekadashi. All ceremonies are carried out on a silver statue of Lord Shiva with five heads and Parvati alongside him.

The Mahant Family owns two Kashi Vishwanath ceremonial idols, one for Mahashivratri and the other for Rang Bhari Ekadashi. Finally, after the wedding, the Mahant performs Kanyadaan. Along with all of the ceremonies, many types of Shringar are performed on this occasion, culminating with the Jhoola Shringar of the Lord.