Maha Shivaratri 2018: The Significance of Fasting on this Day

Sushmita Sengupta   |  Updated: February 13, 2018 18:14 IST

Highlights

• The Mahashivaratri fast or vrat is considered to be very important
• Fasting begins on the morning of Shivratri and ends next day morning
• Here is a brief note on the food that is eaten on Mahashivratri

Maha Shivaratri is here, and Hindus all across the world have geared up to please their beloved deity on this auspicious day. Maha Shivaratri is one of the most significant festivals for the Hindu community. Temples across the nation witness an outpour of devotees who gather around the Shiva Linga with their abundant offerings to appease Lord Shiva. While prayers and vigils go on throughout the night of Maha Shivaratri, what also makes the festival special is its characteristic fasting or the Mahashivratri Vrata. The vrata marks a very high significance for every Shiva devotee, with some opting to even go on fasting through the day without a single drop of water, majority of devotees observe a special fast consisting largely of fruits along with plenty of water and milk which keeps them hydrated.

For generations, Hindus have observed the fast with utmost diligence, scriptures say that if a devotee is able to manage the feat with sincerity, Lord Shiva absolves him of all his sins and blesses him with abundant prosperity.

Majority of Hindus on Mahashivratri wake up and don fresh new clothes after a bath and head straight to the nearest Lord Shiva temple to place their offerings in the form of milk, fruits and bael leaves. Some also offer honey, curd, ghee and sweets alongside milk, and light incense sticks and ring the temple bell to invoke the blessing of Lord Shiva. Unlike other Hindu festivals, where after performing the puja of the deity a feast follows, on Shivartri the fast continues all through the day and night. Devotees observe an all-night vigil while chanting hymns in praise of Lord Shiva. Even during the night, Shiva Lings are given holy bath every three hours.

 

While some devotees opt for a full fasting without consuming a single drop of water, for many others it is not a practical option due to illness, job or old-age, therefore they have a special meal marking their Shivratri Vrat, laden with fruits, milk and water. No meal is eaten after sunset on Shivratri day. Next meal is taken on the morning of amavasya (next day morning) after doing puja.

Maha Shivaratri Special Diet

Here is a brief note on the food that is eaten on Maha Shivaratri -

• Non-cereal food such as boiled potatoes which is made into a curry without onion, garlic, ginger or turmeric, characterises a typical Shivaratri meal of the afternoon, also known as phalar in some communities.

(Maha Shivaratri: 5 Quick and Easy Desserts) 
 

 

• Sabudana (tapioca) khichdi, upma,pakora and kuttu singahri ka puri are some popular dishes consumed by devotees across the world.

 

 

• You can also try making sweet dishes thandai, lauki ka halwa, kaju katli, pumpkin pancakes, and others

 

 

• For snacks, tryaloo tikki, aloo pakoda, raw banana vadas, singhada flour pakoda, sweet potato chaat, paneer and aloo chat (without spices).

​​​          (Not Just a Vrat Ingredient: 10 Exciting Ways to Cook With Singhara Atta)