Fasting is one of the most significant rituals of Mahashivaratri and it is believed to grant one the purity to address the Lord. A Shivratri fast continues all through the day and night, which is in contrary to most other festivals where the worship service is followed by a feast.
Traditionally, those who observe a fast are supposed to get up early on the Shivaratri day and take a bath in the wee hours of the morning in warm water mixed with black sesame seeds. This is believed to give one the physical purity and the mental sanctity that are necessary qualities for participation in the Shivaratri observances. Pious Hindus are thereupon expected to dress up in clean (preferably new) apparels and visit the nearest "Shivmandir" (temple of Lord Shiva) to worship the deity. Then the Shiva Linga (holy pillar symbolizing Lord Shiva) is bathed in milk and honey, a ritual that is repeated every three hours. While in the temple, the devotees are expected to sing bhajans (devotional songs) in praise of and as an invocation to Lord Shiva. All day a strict vigil is observed round the deity and it continues throughout the night. Offerings of flowers, fruits and "bael" leaves are made before the Lord and the devotees indulge in chanting of three words 'Om Namah Shivaya' (We praise Lord Shiva who is represented by the symbol Om) and singing songs to praise his glory, also bathing the idol at regular intervals. One must also listen to the recital of various legends and stories related to Shivaratri and Lord Shiva and try to understand their underlying significance. It is only in the following morning that one gets to break the fast by consuming the prasad offered to the Lord.
While fasting is considered an important tradition and most people keep a fast on Shivaratri, it is not compulsory for everyone. Those who are unable to fast for the whole day can always opt for a single vegetarian diet or go for afruit or juice diet. Those of a weak constitution or under medications are always adviced not to keep a prolonged fast or do so only after consulting his/her doctor.
Every year, thousands of devotees of Lord Shiva observe the Maha Shivaratri fast with utmost sincerity. Many go without even a drop of water all through the day and night of Shivaratri Festival in the name of the Lord.
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