The festival of Mahashivaratri marks the end of winter and the arrival of spring and is a major observation in Hinduism. It is very significant to the Shaivism tradition of Hinduism, which worships Shiva as its primary deity.
Maha Shivaratri is the night when Shiva is said to have performed the Tandava Nritya, or the dance of primordial creation, preservation and destruction. According to believers, this saved the world from destruction. Maha Shivaratri was the day when Shiva drank poisonous negativity to protect the world. It is observed to mark a remembrance of 'overcoming darkness and ignorance' in life and the world. Shivaratri is also when Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva married again.
The festival is principally celebrated by offerings of Bael (Bel Tree) leaves to Lord Shiva, all day fasting and an all-night-long vigil. On Maha Shivratri, "Om Namah Shivaya", the sacred mantra of Shiva, is chanted through the day in Shiva temples.
