2023 Calendar Shivaratri: Celebrating The Hindu Festival Of Lord Shiva
Introduction
As a Hindu, I always look forward to celebrating Shivaratri, one of the most important festivals in our religion. Shivaratri is dedicated to Lord Shiva, the god of destruction and creation. It is celebrated on the 14th night of the new moon in the Hindu month of Phalguna, which falls in February or March. In this article, I will share my personal experience of celebrating Shivaratri and provide information about the 2023 calendar Shivaratri.
Personal Experience
I remember celebrating Shivaratri with my family and friends when I was a child. We used to fast all day and visit the nearby Shiva temple in the evening. The temple would be decorated with flowers and lights, and there would be a long line of devotees waiting to offer prayers to Lord Shiva. We would also perform the Rudra Abhishekam, a special pooja that involves offering water, milk, honey, and other items to Lord Shiva’s idol. The atmosphere would be filled with devotion and spirituality, and I always felt a sense of peace and calmness during the celebrations.
2023 Calendar Shivaratri: World Events and Festivals
In the year 2023, Shivaratri will be celebrated on March 6th. Apart from India, Shivaratri is celebrated in many other countries, including Nepal, Mauritius, Trinidad and Tobago, and Fiji. In Nepal, the festival is celebrated as a public holiday, and thousands of devotees visit the Pashupatinath temple in Kathmandu to offer their prayers to Lord Shiva. In Mauritius, the celebrations include a colorful parade and cultural events, while in Trinidad and Tobago, the festival is celebrated with music, dance, and fireworks. In Fiji, the celebrations include a special pooja called the Maha Shivaratri Jagarana, where devotees fast and perform rituals throughout the night.
List of Events and Festivals in 2023 Calendar Shivaratri
Apart from Shivaratri, there are many other festivals and events that fall in the month of March 2023. Some of them are: – Holi: A popular Hindu festival of colors, celebrated on March 9th. – International Women’s Day: Celebrated on March 8th, this day is dedicated to honoring women’s achievements and promoting gender equality. – St. Patrick’s Day: Celebrated on March 17th, this day is dedicated to the patron saint of Ireland and is celebrated with parades and festive events.
Question & Answer
Q: What is the significance of Shivaratri? A: Shivaratri is dedicated to Lord Shiva, the god of destruction and creation. It is celebrated to honor his divine powers and seek his blessings for a happy and prosperous life. Q: What are the rituals performed during Shivaratri? A: The rituals performed during Shivaratri include fasting, visiting the temple, offering prayers, and performing the Rudra Abhishekam pooja. Q: Where is Shivaratri celebrated apart from India? A: Shivaratri is celebrated in many countries, including Nepal, Mauritius, Trinidad and Tobago, and Fiji. Q: What are the other festivals that fall in March 2023? A: Some of the other festivals that fall in March 2023 are Holi, International Women’s Day, and St. Patrick’s Day.
Conclusion
Shivaratri is a festival that holds a special place in the hearts of Hindus around the world. It is a time to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva and celebrate the power of good over evil. The 2023 calendar Shivaratri falls on March 6th, and I am eagerly looking forward to celebrating this auspicious day with my family and friends. May Lord Shiva bless us all with health, wealth, and happiness.