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NEW DELHI, INDIA, February 16, 2007: Whether it’s for a perfect husband or for the fulfillment of their wishes, many people across the country are observing a daylong fast today on the occasion of Maha Sivaratri. Celebrated in honor of the Hindu God Lord Siva, Maha Sivaratri is celebrated on the 13th or 14th day of the dark half of Phalgun (February-March). Said Kasturi Nath from Assam: “My mother and I are keeping a daylong fast without drinking even water. In the evening, we will go to the Siva temple next to our home, give offerings to the Lord and break our fast.” After observing the fast, people give offerings to Shiva and bel leaves are an integral part of the offering. “Bel leaves are very sacred since it is said that Goddess Lakshmi resides in them. We offer these leaves to the Siva Lingam (an icon of Siva) and pray to the Lord,” explained Sanchari Das of Delhi. “We wash the Lingam every three hours at night with milk, honey and rose water and chant ‘Om Namah ivaya.’ This is called ‘Prahar,’ ” Das said. While most unmarried girls fast on this day in the hope of finding a perfect husband, many married women and young men also fast. Hymns in praise of Siva are chanted throughout the night.

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