Devotees take part in rituals at a temple on Mahashivratri in Ludhiana on Saturday. Tribune Photo: Himanshu Mahajan
Ludhiana, February 18
Mahashivratri, the birthday of Lord Shiva, was celebrated with traditional gaiety and religious fervour in Ludhiana district on Saturday.
It was an early start to the day for the Shiva devotees with ritual bathing and prayers to celebrate the occasion. Unmarried young girls outnumbered married women in fasting for the day while praying for a good husband. The devotees observed a stringent fast which would be broken only at the crack of dawn the next day.
A large number of Hindus thronged different tastefully-decorated Shiva temples since early morning to offer prayers and pour milk, water and bilwa leaves on the Shivalingam and smeared bhasm (holy ashes) on their forehead.
Long-winding queues were seen outside the Shiva, Sanatan Dharma and Lakshmi Narayana temples across the city and in other parts of the district as well.
A huge congregation was held at the Pracheen Shiva Mandir at Chehlan village near Samrala and the police had a tough time to control the sea of devotees and movement of vehicular traffic on the Chandigarh-Ludhiana national highway, on which the temple was located.
Shobha Yatras on the eve of Mahashivratri were also taken out in different parts of the tricity wherein tableaux depicted the marriage of Lord Shiva. Children, dressed as Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, were the centre of attraction.
Temples held special functions continuing day and night to mark the occasion.
The Commissionerate and zonal police had made elaborate security arrangements around the main temples as a precautionary measure.
According to the Hindu calendar, Mahashivratri is celebrated a day or two before the new moon in the month of Phalgun (February-March).
Lord Shiva is considered one of the deities of Hindu Trinity, the other two being Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu.
The Tribune News Service brings you the latest news, analysis and insights from the region, India and around the world. Follow the Tribune News Service for a wide-ranging coverage of events as they unfold, with perspective and clarity.
Join Whatsapp Channel of The Tribune for latest updates.
Most Read In 24 Hours
Don't Miss
View All
Top News
Opposition to raise NEET-UG issue in both Houses of Parliament on Friday; government says 'ready' to respond
Decision taken at meeting of INDIA bloc floor leaders; Oppos...
CBI makes first arrests in NEET-UG paper leak case, nabs 2 suspects from Bihar's Patna
The suspects allegedly provided safe accommodation to aspira...
Taliban are not terrorists, time that Russia recognises them: Zamir Kabulov
Says they are not fighting with the Ukrainian regime but wit...
NDA open to having Deputy Speaker in Lok Sabha, say sources
There was no Deputy Speaker during the previous Lok Sabha
Jalandhar West bypoll: Shiromani Akali Dal announces support to BSP nominee, disowns its candidate
Move draws sharp reaction from rebel party leaders; say will...
