Celebrations: Swami Narayan Mandir hosts Shivratri

Many Hindus observe a 36-hour fast on the occasion.

KARACHI: Hundreds of Hindu devotees flocked to the Swami Narayan Mandir Thursday evening to celebrate the Hindu festival of Maha Shivratri.

The occasion is marked to commemorate Lord Shiva and acquire his blessings. At the temple, a huge statue of Lord Shiva was being given final touches by young volunteers who put fresh coats of paint.

“This statue has been with the temple for years. Every year, we prepare its background,” explained Mahesh as grass and branches are laid across the floor to give the look of a jungle to the visitors. Another man said that they start preparing a week in advance for the display. “My friends have painted the set behind the Shiva.” Bhajans reverberated in the temple as jubilant women clapped to the tune. “I have prepared cholay at home, and I am wearing a new dress,” said Kishwari in a shiny glittery dress. Around the Shiv Ling, a representation of Lord Shiva, devotees poured milk and lit up incense sticks. “We start the day by pouring milk and yoghurt over Shiv Ling to make Lord Shiva happy. In return, he listens to our prayers,” said Mukesh Kariya who had prayed for a promotion in his job.

At home, special vegetable dishes are prepared. Many Hindus also observe a fast which lasts for over 36 hours. Two sisters, Renuka 15, and Dakshana, 10, kept a fast for the first time this year. “It is difficult to stay without food for so long but I’m doing it to please Bhagwan,” said Renuka, adding that she had prayed to come first in her class. Their father said his children, like many others, would spend the night at the temple, pray and then break the fast with prasad when the sun rises.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 28^th, 2014.