Amritsar: The sacred festival of Mahashivratri was observed with deep devotion and enthusiasm across the country, with North India witnessing an overwhelming turnout of worshippers at prominent Shiva temples.
From the early hours of the morning, devotees began gathering outside temples to offer prayers to Lord Shiva. By sunrise, long queues had formed both within temple premises and along adjoining streets, as people patiently waited for their turn to perform rituals and pour water over the Shivalinga.
Many devotees said they had come especially for the auspicious occasion, considering Mahashivratri a significant day to seek blessings for peace, prosperity and well-being. Despite waiting for over an hour in some cases, worshippers appeared undeterred, describing the wait as a small sacrifice in their spiritual journey. Several families shared that visiting Shiva temples on Mahashivratri has been a cherished annual tradition.
To manage the large crowd, authorities have arranged additional security, ensured proper cleanliness, and streamlined entry and exit points to avoid inconvenience. Volunteers were also deployed to guide devotees and maintain order.
Mahashivratri, which commemorates the devotion to Lord Shiva, once again brought together people of all ages, turning the temples into vibrant centres of faith and collective prayer.