Mahashivratri fast is very auspicious to devotees of Lord Shiva or Lord Shankar. Some believe that a devotee who observes a Mahashivratri Fast with sincerity and utters the name of Lord Shiva with perfect devotion is forgiven from all sins. Such a devotee reaches the house of Lord Shiva and lives there gladly. He is also liberated from the cycle of birth and death.

Every year devotees observe Mahashivratri fast with devotion and sincerity. Though many of them fast on a diet of fruits and milk, some do not consume even a drop of water all through the day and night of Mahashivratri Festival.

As a tradition, devotees who are on a strict fast on Mahashivratri festival day take bath with the water that is boiled with black sesame seeds to wash away bodily impurities. After putting on fresh new clothes, devotees visit the nearest Lord Shiva temple to perform the ritual Shiva lingam bath with panchamrutham i.e., Milk, Honey, Yoghurt, Ghee, Sugar etc. the devotees pray to the Lord Shiva.

Following the sacred bath, devotee applies Sandal wood powder – kumkum on the lingam and place a garland of white and pink lotus flowers on it. Bel leaves are also placed at the top of the Lingam. Aarti and Bhajan in praise of Lord Shiva are also sung to appeal to his blessings. Devotee also light incense stick and ring temple bell to appeal to the blessing of the Lord Shiva.

It may be noted that unlike most other festivals, where after performing the Puja of the deity a feast follows, a Mahashivratri fast continues all through the day and night. Devotees observe an all night vigil while chanting the mantra, “Om Namah Shivaya” and singing devotional hymns and songs.

 Even during the night, Shiva Lingam is given the holy bath every three hours. An offering of fruits is also made to the deity. There is also the tradition to listen to the performance of various legends and stories related to Mahashivratri and Lord Shiva and to understand its deeper meanings. It is only in the following morning that a devotee breaks the fast by consuming the Prasad offered to Lord Shiva.