Maha Shivaratri: a Hindu festival in honor of Shiva.
Varanasi: the spiritual capital of India, and the holiest of the seven sacred cities.
Ganges: the most sacred river of the Hindus.
From the combination of this three sacred symbols result in a intense and devotional atmosphere along the banks of the Ganga, with thousands of pilgrims taking the sacred bath in the most auspicious day, the day that marks the wedding of Lord Shiva with Parvati.
The festival starts with an early purifying bath, follow by the visit to the temple to worship the Shiva Lingam, the male symbol of cosmic creation, with offers of milk, honey and flowers.
Maha Shivaratri Means literally “the night of Shiva” and during all night the streets of the ancient Varanasi filled with people coming from all parts of India. In a pilgrimage, people visit the city’s many temples dedicated to Shiva, performing “puja” and observing a fast during all day and night.
Along the day the sound of bells played during the pujas fills the narrow streets of the city and candles light the Ganga Ghats.
