Shivratri Fair (Part 1) - The Gala Affair

Shivratri Fair is the most significant and largest festival of Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh. According to the mythological legends, Shivratri or "the night of Lord Shiv" was actually the time of celebration of the marital engagement of Lord Shiva with Goddess Parvati, the daughter of the Himalayas. People of Khajuraho observe a puja on this day. Vibrant celebrations mark the onset of the festival that is also called "Maha Shivratri".

This Maha Shivratri festival is celebrated on the thirteenth or the fourteenth day of the month of Phagun or spring. According to the Gregorian calendar, Phagun falls during the months of February and March. This is the period when the weather remains pleasant throughout the country. Maha Shivratri puja marks the celebration of one day and one night. On the occasion of Shivratri, a dance festival is organized in Khajuraho, which lasts for around seven days. The best classical dancers can be seen performing in this Khajuraho dance festival that attracts numerous spectators from all over the world.

The grand fiesta of Maha Shivratri is an elaborate affair. There is a 2.5 meters high Shiv Lingam in the Kandariya Mahadeo Temple of Khajuraho, which is dressed up in white and saffron dhotis to appear as a bridegroom. Also a massive conical shape crown made of silver paper is surmounted on it. The priest performs the ceremony all throughout the night till the wedding is complete between Shiva and his heavenly consort Parvati.

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