Shivaratri

At Shivaratri Hindus honour Lord Shiva. It falls on the 14th night of the new moon in the Hindu month of Phalgun (February/March). According to one of the most popular stories, Shivaratri marks the wedding day of Lord Shiva and Parvati and it was on this night that Lord Shiva performed the ‘Tandava’, the dance of primal creation, preservation and destruction. Shivaratri can also be recognised as the time of Shiva’s cosmic dance of transformation.

Who celebrates?

Hindus around the world.

How do people celebrate?

• Devotees observe a day and night fast and perform rituals in honour of Lord Shiva
• Shiva is offered special food made from the fruits of the season, root vegetables, and coconuts, during ritual worship.

What should I know?

• Also known as Mahashivratri or Maha Shivaratri, it is celebrated during the night and day that come just before the new moon
• Shiva is the third god in the Hindu triumvirate. The triumvirate consists of three gods who are responsible for the creation, upkeep and destruction of the world. Shiva’s role is to destroy the world in order for it to be recreated
• For Kashmiri Pandits, Shivaratri is celebrated for a fortnight.

How can I support others?

• Ask people if they or their families will be celebrating
• Do not assume that if someone’s family is Hindu that they will be celebrating
• Encourage celebrations internally and externally
• Talk to your team about the religious representation among your volunteer, employee and service user population and if it’s representative of your area.

BBC: Mahashivratri: https://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/hinduism/holydays/mahashivratri.shtml

BBC: Shivratri fasting foods: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nvl3Fn5UNoc

History India: History of Shivratri: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFdadKS9llU

BBC: https://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/hinduism/deities/shiva.shtml