Maha Shivaratri: The Night Vigil and What to Eat After the Fast

Maha Shivaratri falls in Phalguna, usually in February or March. For many families in Andhra it is the most serious fast of the year, followed by a night spent awake in prayer.

The day and the night

Devotees bathe early, visit a Shiva temple and offer water, milk and bilva leaves to the lingam. Many fast through the day. At night comes jagaram, staying awake until morning with bhajans, stories and visits to the temple. The Godavari region has famous Shiva temples, and they are full through the night.

Eating on the fast

Families differ. Some take nothing; some take fruit, milk, or a little sabudana or sweet potato. Many avoid rice and grains completely for the day.

Breaking the fast

The fast is broken the next morning after puja. After a long fast, the first meal is usually gentle: something light, followed by a sweet offered first as prasadam.

Sweets for Shivaratri

Milk sweets are the natural choice, both for the offering and for the morning after. Kalakand and Konaseema kova are soft and easy after a fast, and boondi laddu is easy to share with neighbours and temple visitors. If you are taking prasadam to the temple, a sealed sweet box travels better than loose sweets.

As with any fast, follow your own family's rules on what is allowed; check the ingredients if you are unsure.