On the 14th day of Chaturdashi Krishna Paksha in the dark half of the month of Maga, the Great Night of Lord Shiva — Maha Shivaratri is celebrated.
Hindu scriptures, specifically Skanda Purana, describe four species of Shivaratri:
First — Nitya Sivaratri (daily Sivaratri — every night).
The second — Masa Sivaratri (monthly Sivaratri), which is observed on the fourteenth lunar day (Chaturdashi) of the waning Moon (Krishna-Pakshi).
The third — Magha-Pratham-Adi Shivaratri, which is observed during the first thirteen lunar days of the month of Maga.
The fourth — of Maha Shivaratri, which is observed on the fourteenth lunar day (Chaturdashi) of the waning Moon (Krishna-Pakshi) of the month on Maga. On the night of this Chaturdashi, Shiva is revered throughout the night.
On this night, according to legend, Lord Shiva performed a tandava — dance of primary creation, preservation and... destruction.
Yogis and tantrics revere God in His two main manifestations: as Shiva — of the Father of Peace, and as Shakti — Mother of Peace. In their essence, Shiva and Shakti represent a single beginning. These are not two gods — this is the One Lord, this is God and His Power.
Devotees of Shiva address him throughout the night of Shivaratri, performing Abisheka, repeating mantras and performing other rituals.
Four pujas are usually held on Shivaratri, dealing with various aspects and manifestations of Shiva, to encompass various worship methods and moods, both Vedic and Tantric. In addition, such veneration symbolizes the various stages of spiritual growth, transitions from one achara to another on the single path of Shiva realization.
In various areas of India, the rituals are somewhat different. Maha Shivaratri is especially celebrated in Varanasi (Kashi) — the holy city of Lord Shiva and in Kashmir — region, where the veneration of Shiva was especially highly developed.
In the 9th century, the Kashmiri holy poet Utpaldeva, describing Sivaratri, wrote: «When the Sun, Moon and all the stars are established simultaneously, the shining night of Shiva comes, spreading its own radiance».
Kashmiri Pandits usually celebrated Shivaratri for 23 days. At first, six days were devoted to cleaning the house and buying items for Pooja. Then 2-3 days were spent in pious prayers. One day was intended for giving gifts. The Bhairavas were revered for two days. One day was meant to honor Shiva. The next day, the oldest person in the family gave gifts to all family members. Then the day of veneration of Shiva.
The next day, prasad of walnuts and rice pies was heard. In the past, the holiday often lasted until Ashtami (8th lunar day). The last day also marks the end of winter and is celebrated by burning kangri. There was great joy and fun around. People wore new and better clothes, and families sat together and enjoyed playing with sea shells.