Hindus Celebrate Mahashivratri In India

JAMMU, INDIA - FEBRUARY 20: Hindu women devotees hold pots of sacred water and milk as they stand in queues to pour it on the idol of Lord Shiva's lingam during the Mahashivratri festival on February 20, 2012 in Jammu, the winter capital of Indian administered Kashmir, India. Millions of Hindus across India thronged the temples to celebrate the festival of Maha Shivratri, celebrated to honour Lord Shiva, is marked by special prayers and fasting. Hindus believe Shivaratri is the wedding day of Lord Shiva and Parvati. According to other accounts, it was on Shivaratri that Lord Shiva manifested himself in the form of a Linga for the first time, and, since then, the day is revered by devotees of Shiva. (Photo by Yawar Nazir/Getty Images)