Chandigarh, Feb 15: Temples across Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh were filled with devotees on Sunday as the region celebrated Maha Shivratri with traditional religious enthusiasm. Long queues were seen at major shrines from the early hours, with the air resonating with the sounds of bells and devotional chants.
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini participated in the festivities by visiting the historic Nalhar Mahadev Temple in Nuh district. During his visit, the Chief Minister performed the ‘Jalabhishek’ ritual and extended his greetings to the people of the state. He expressed his desire for continued peace and harmony, noting that the festival represents a deep spiritual strength for the community.
“Describing Maha Shivratri as a celebration of deep faith and spiritual strength, Saini expressed hope that Lord Shiva’s blessings would guide the state towards sustained development,” stated an official release. The Chief Minister also took the opportunity to receive ‘prasad’ and interact with citizens gathered at the temple premises.
In Punjab, the celebrations were marked by high-profile visits to the Shri Rankeshwar Mahadev Shiv Mandir in Dhuri, Sangrur. AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann arrived at the temple to pay their obeisance. “May Lord Shiva bless you all with immense happiness and good health,” maintained CM Mann in a message shared on social media. The duo performed prayers for the prosperity of the state, joining thousands of devotees who offered milk, fruits, and prayers to the deity.
