Watch | Maha Shivaratri celebrations from Uma Nanda Mandir in Guwahati

Maha Shivaratri is a major festival in Hinduism annually observed in honour of Lord Shiva which is also known as the also known as 'Padmarajarathri' and 'The Great Night of Shiva'.

On this day devotees worship Lord Shiva, observe a strict fast and do various religious activities to please Lord Shiva. Devotees further believe that by pleasing Lord Shankara on the auspicious Shivaratri day, a person is absolved of past sins and is blessed with Moksha or salvation.