Maha Shivratri is one of the most celebrated festivals in India. It is believed that on this day, Lord Shiva and Parvati got married and he performed his sacred dance, "Tandava". This year, Maha Shivratri will be celebrated on March 8, 2024. Devotees all over the world perform pujas, fast, meditation, charity, and other things in honour of Shiva. Maha Shivratri is different from most Hindu festivals, as it is celebrated by staying up at night and indulging in meditation, self-study, fasting, and chanting prayers.

India is not the only country where Maha Shivratri is celebrated. Many countries like Nepal, Mauritius, and Pakistan also celebrate Maha Shivratri with utmost devotion and zeal. Here, let's take a look at what these countries' Maha Shivratri celebration looks like. 

1. Nepal

Many citizens of Nepal practice Hinduism and worship Lord Shiva. It is one of the National holidays there and is celebrated all over the country. Nepal also has one of the biggest Shiva temples, 'Pashupatinath'. It is a Hindu temple located in Kathmandu, Nepal and is devoted to Pashupati, one of the many forms of Lord Shiva. On Maha Shivratri, devotees of Bholenath gather together in temples and chant prayers, fast, and meditate. Many Sadhus also pray at Pashupatinath and perform pujas devoted to Shiva. This day is also celebrated as Nepali Army Day and a grand ceremony is organised in Tundikhel. Many devotees also gather at night and smoke marijuana as it is called 'Shivako Prasad' and 'Shiv Buti' which means Shiva's blessings. 

2. Mauritius

Mauritius is an Island country situated near the Indian Ocean. It has a large population of people who practice Hinduism and follow Lord Shiva. On Maha Shivratri, followers of Shiva go to Ganga Talao, a crater lake which is dedicated to Shiva and has a Shiv Mandir near it. A large number of people go to the Shiv Mandir on Ganga Talao on Maha Shivratri to worship and meditate. Many devotees even travel barefoot with Kanvars (containers to fetch water). 

3. Pakistan

Shri Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple in Karachi is also one of the most crowded places during Maha Shivratri. Thousands of people visit the temple and worship Lord Shiva. Many fetch water from the Holy Ganga river to bathe the idol of Bholenath. Aarti is also organised which starts at night till 5 am. Once Aarti is done, men and women with their puja thalis walk barefoot and do devotional offerings of coconut, flowers, rice, incense sticks, and a diya. After the offering, people break their fast with the food prepared in the Mandir kitchen. 

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