Patna: Patna is preparing for a spectacular celebration of Mahashivratri on February 15, with organisers promising processions, devotional performances, and cultural displays throughout the city. The Shri Shri Mahashivratri Mahotsav Shobhayatra Abhinandan Samiti, responsible for coordinating the festivities, flagged off two Shiva-marriage chariots on Monday to publicise the festival and engage the community.
31 Processions Across the Capital
This year, 31 processions and Shiva-marriage tableaux will traverse Patna, culminating at the Khajpura Shiva Temple complex, where devotees will be welcomed with traditional rituals. The tableaux will feature live representations of Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, Ganesha, Nandi, and Shiva’s attendants, attracting large crowds.
Celebrating Somnath Swabhiman Parv
The festival processions will carry the theme of ‘Somnath Swabhiman Parv’ (Somnath Self-Respect Festival) and the ‘33-foot-tall Shivling in the Virat Ramayana Temple’. According to organisers, the displays aim to combine religious devotion with cultural and historical awareness.
Cultural Highlights: Tandava and Ganga Aarti
Dr Sanjeev Chaurasia, convener of the committee and MLA, said the main event will be hosted at the Khajpura Shiva Temple complex. Festivities will include bhajan sandhya (devotional singing), Tandava dance performances, Ganga Aarti, and distribution of Mahaprasad.
Decorations and Devotee Participation
Shiva flags have been erected along Bailey Road, Veerchand Patel Path, and JP Ganga Path, and stalls will line the procession routes, showering flowers on devotees. Archways and decorated homes and commercial establishments will further add to the festive atmosphere.
Rituals for Mahashivratri
Devotees observing Mahashivratri are advised to take a morning bath, wear clean clothes, and perform Abhishek—ritual bathing of the Shivling using water, milk, curd, ghee, honey, and Ganges water—followed by offerings of bel leaves, dhatura, bhang, and ak flowers. The mantra “Om Namah Shivaya” is to be chanted, and worshippers traditionally stay awake through the night in devotion.
Shiv Charcha Preceding the Festival
Ahead of Mahashivratri, Shiv Charcha (discussions and devotional gatherings) will be held at prominent Patna temples on 8 February. Committee members are also conducting door-to-door campaigns to invite local participation in the Shiv Barat processions.
