Thousands observe Maha Shiva Raatri

An angel? This little cutie was seeking blessings from Lord Shiva during Shivaratri celebrations at the Cove and John Ashram yesterday. (Photo by Sarah Bharrat)

As Hindus observed Maha Shiva Raatri yesterday, thousands showed up at the Cove and John Ashram to worship and take part in various activities held in observance of the annual festival.

An angel? This little cutie was seeking blessings from Lord Shiva during Shivaratri celebrations at the Cove and John Ashram yesterday. (Photo by Sarah Bharrat)

Maha Shiva Raatri translates to night of Shiva (one of Hinduism’s five major forms of God) and was observed at the Ashram from 5am yesterday to 5am today.

It involved all day fasting and all night vigil.

Preparation for the event commenced earlier in the week. Food and various sweets were prepared throughout yesterday and

Devotees as they were being fed yesterday at the Cove and John Ashram during the Maha Shiva Raatri activities. (Photo by Sara Bharrat)

hundreds were fed.

Several organisations, including the Brahma Kumaris, set up educational booths at the Ashram’s entrance.

The Ashram’s activities offered something of interest to all age groups and transformed Maha Shiva Raatri from a strictly religious event to a fun-filled celebration of their deity Shiva.