Allahabad/Ujjain/Varanasi, Feb 28 (ANI): Devout Hindus revelled in the festive spirit as thousands of devotees thronged temples and congregated at the banks of holy rivers across India on Thursday to celebrate festival of 'Mahashivratri', better known as Lord Shiva's wedding anniversary, with religious fervour. The Hindu festival of Mahashivratri is celebrated every year, as devotees offer golden apple, fruits, milk and observe fast in reverence of Lord Shiva.On the auspicious occasion, the lingam, a representation of the Hindu deity Shiva, is bathed with the five sacred offerings of a cow, called panchagavya. Thereafter, the five foods of immortality - milk, clarified butter, curd, honey and sugar - are placed before the lingam. The festival also marks the night when Lord Shiva performed the 'Tandava', the cosmic dance.
