Mahashivratri vs Valentine's Day : things to do

Maha Shivratri vrat or Shivratri fasting is one of the most important facts of Hinduism. The Mahashivratri vrat has a huge spiritual significance. The one who observes this fast is blessed with the divine grace of Lord Shiva. Apart from that, observing this fast helps the person to control the two important natural forces that affect the humans.

On the other hand, Valentine’s Day is a very special day for lovers, lovers of all kind. This one day of the year is meant to be for them and their togetherness gets brighten on this special occasion. 

This year, in 2018, both the occasions are on the same date,i.e, 14th Feb. In this article, we are trying to focus on how one can enjoy the respective occasions in the more prominent and worthy way.

Mahashivratri vrat

If you’re planning to observe a fast on Mahashivratri, but you don’t know how to carry out the auspicious activities, here is the proper guide for you.

Early morning bath:

It is the first thing you do in the morning. Take a bucket of lukewarm water and drop some black sesame seeds in it. Have a bath with the water to get rid of the impurities.

Bathing Shiv linga

Visit the nearest Shiva Temple. If you have a Shiva Linga at home, then give the statuette a bath with honey, water and milk. Don’t use an excess of milk and honey. Half a cup of milk is more than enough.

Offering

After giving the bath to the Linga, offer Belpatra, Dhatura, Akanda Flowers, Turmeric, Kumkum and Sandalwood to it. All these commodities are loved by Lord Shiva.

Food offering

Lord Shiva is fond of milk-made items. So, offerings are made of Kheer or milk barfi to the Linga. Some people also offer Bhaang to the Shiva Idol.

Offer Prayers

Chant the Mantra ‘Om Namah Shivaya’ by heart and offer your heartfelt prayers to the Lord. Sing the devotional hymns to the Lord, expressing your love and devotion to the almighty.

Fasting

The Shivratri fast begins in the morning and continues till the next morning. many people consume fruits and milk throughout the fast.

Night Vigil

The devotees observing fast should stay up for the whole night listening to stories about Lord Shiva or singing bhajans in His praise.

Breaking the fast

The fast is broken the next morning after bathing the 'linga' again and offering prayers to it. One must break the fast by consuming the 'prasad' or food offered to Lord Shiva.

 

Valentine’s Day

So you've been together a while and want to do something special with your significant other to celebrate your love this holiday, but are short on ideas. We've got you covered with some romantic ideas.

Make food together

Pizza, strawberry pie, eggs in a basket, cupcakes...your imagination's the limit on this one. Up the romance factor by making finger foods and feeding them to each other. 

Play hooky

Take the day off from work and enjoy some R&R. Have breakfast in bed, do a crossword together, and go see a matinee movie. Reminisce about how and why you two first fell in love. 

A drink or two

Once the booze is flowing, ask each other questions to break intimacy barriers. Some you may already know the answer to ("How's your relationship with your mother?") while others are hypotheticals you've likely never posted ("If you could wake up tomorrow having gained one quality or ability, what would it be?").

Letters, the old-school way:

If you've never done it before, now's the time to put in writing why your partner is so special to you. Tell them which of their qualities you most admire, how they make you feel, and why you fell in love with them.

A beautiful date

Pick the most beautiful place and drive your partner there. Spend some quality time or recreate your past dates and revisit the time when you first fell in love with your partner.

A massage together

Grab a bottle of body oil, set the mood with candles and soft background music and give your partner at least 30 minutes of massage therapy. They can thank you by returning the favour. 

Take bath together

For a bubble bath worthy of a honeymoon suite, surround the tub with candles, sprinkle rose petals in the water, and set a tray of chocolate-covered strawberries and a bottle of champagne within arm's reach.