Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta extended warm wishes to the people on the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivratri on Wednesday. She expressed her heartfelt prayers for the blessings of Lord Shiva and hoped for the continued progress and prosperity of both Delhi and the entire nation.
“I want to extend my best wishes to the people of the country on the occasion of Maha Shivratri. I pray that the blessings of Bhole Nath stay with us and that Delhi and the country progress,” CM Gupta said while speaking to ANI.
On this occasion, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Praveen Khandelwal joined CM Gupta in offering prayers at the revered Gauri Shankar Temple in Delhi. Sharing his hopes for the nation’s growth, Khandelwal emphasized the importance of the festival in bringing prosperity and unity.
“Today, on the occasion of Maha Shivratri, Delhi CM Rekha Gupta and I have offered prayers at Gauri Shankar Temple. I hope that Maha Shivratri brings prosperity to the lives of the people of the country. I have prayed to Lord Shiva that the country develops under the leadership of PM Modi,” Khandelwal stated.
Meanwhile, a massive congregation of devotees gathered at the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj for the final holy dip (Snan) of the Maha Kumbh, which coincides with the sacred occasion of Maha Shivratri. This marked the culmination of a series of Amrit Snans, beginning with Paush Purnima on January 13 and followed by key bathing dates on Makar Sankranti (January 14), Mauni Amavasya (January 29), Basant Panchami (February 3), Maghi Purnima (February 12), and concluding with Maha Shivratri on February 26.
The Maha Kumbh witnessed active participation from several Akharas, including Niranjani Akhada, Ahwan Akhada, and Juna Akhada — the largest Akhara in the Sanyasi tradition. These Akharas, which are prominent religious orders representing different sects like Shaiva, Vaishnava, and Udasi, played a crucial role in the Shahi Snan ceremonies, led by their respective heads known as ‘Mahamandaleshwar.’
Maha Shivratri, also celebrated as the great night of Lord Shiva, holds deep spiritual significance. It symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance. The festival also commemorates the divine union of Lord Shiva — the deity of destruction and transformation — and Goddess Parvati, the embodiment of fertility, love, and power (Shakti).
According to Hindu mythology, their celestial wedding was accompanied by a diverse entourage of gods, goddesses, animals, and mythical beings, underscoring the universal harmony their union represents. Across India, Maha Shivratri is celebrated with immense devotion and enthusiasm, with millions of devotees participating in prayers, fasting, and ceremonial rituals.
