Maha Shiva Ratri occurs on the new moon--February 17th this year.
An occasion to honor the marriage of Shiva and Parvati that is celebrated with festive activities a few days before as well.
All-night vigils with bonfires are held at shrines throughout the land of Hindus. One of the largest takes place at the World Heritage Site of Pashupatinath Temple along
the banks of the holy Bagmati River in eastern Kathmandu, Nepal. Visitors travel from
afar to take place in rituals including fasting, feasting, music, chanting, singing,
praying, reciting of sacred text, and meditating (along with consumption of
cannabis which is overlooked by authorities during this devotional time).
One interpretation of this festival is that it represents a mystical celebration of the marriage of the 'twin realities' of Shiva energy (male energy) with Shakti (female energy, the primordial force of femininity or Universal Mother)
Bol! Bam! O Namo Shivaya! O Namo Parvatiya!
(how about a Parvati Ratri festival, too?)
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