Shivratri is a Hindu festival celebrated every year on the 13th or 14th day of the month Phagun as per the Indian Lunar Calendar, which on the Gregorian Calendar would be somewhere in the later half of the month of February.
There are varied reasons given by different individuals and groups regarding why Shivratri is celebrated. They range from Lord Shiva’s birth to Shiva drinking poison at the ‘Samudra Manthan’ to save everyone. Devotees pay their homage to Lord Shiva in form of milk, bhaang etc. However in recent times people have been taking wrong advantage of Shivratri and indulging unsocial activities.
Anti-social elements or misguided, bored individuals use Shivratri as an excuse to consume liquor, smoke cannabis, and partake of drugs. They often respond to criticism by saying “If Lord Shiva used such substances, why shouldn’t we?” Well, I’m certain Lord Shiva never asked any of his devotees to indulge themselves in any such activities. If a person has true devotion to God, he/she should abstain from such malpractices altogether. If we think it out logically we will realize that by indulging in such activities we are not just ruining our personal reputation but also maligning our religion’s image.
So if you really have deep devotion to Lord Shiva, just help other people like he did when he consumed poison to save everyone without thinking about himself.
