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Maha Shivaratri (Night of Shiva or "Great Night of
Shiva") is a festival celebrated every year on the 13th night/14th day of the month of Maagha
(as per Shalivahan or Gujarati Vikram) or
Phalguna (as per Vikram) in the
Hindu Calendar (that is, the night before and day of the new
moon).
On this festival the devotees offer leaves of Bael (Bilva)
to the
Lord Shiva. Devotees fast on this day.
Ganja is traditionally used as an offering for Lord Shiva and his
followers.The penances are
performed in order to gain boons in the practice of Yoga and
meditation, in order to reach the goal more swiftly and avoid rebirth.
Devotees drink milk mixed with Bhang and enjoy the
festival with traditional songs of Shivaratri.
