Chandigarh, February 15 Devotees carrying milk and fruits thronged temples across Haryana, Punjab, and Chandigarh on Sunday to mark the occasion of Maha Shivratri.
Long queues of devotees were seen outside temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, which were decorated for the occasion. The chants of 'Om Namah Shivay' and 'Har Har Mahadev' echoed in temples across the two states and their common capital, Chandigarh.
Marking the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivratri, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini visited the Nalhar Mahadev Temple in the Nuh district, where he offered prayers to Lord Shiva and performed the traditional ritual of Jalabhishek.
Saini prayed for peace, prosperity, and continued progress for the people of the state, according to an official statement.
He also extended warm greetings to the citizens of Haryana on the festival and received 'prasad' at the temple premises.
Describing Maha Shivratri as a celebration of deep faith and spiritual strength, Saini expressed hope that Lord Shiva's blessings would guide the state towards sustained development and harmony.
He also urged people to uphold unity, brotherhood, and social harmony on this sacred occasion.
AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann also paid obeisance at Shri Rankeshwar Mahadev Shiv Mandir in Dhuri in Sangrur district on the auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri.
Earlier, CM Mann extended greetings to people on the occasion of Mahashivratri. "May Lord Shiva bless you all with immense happiness and good health," said the Punjab chief minister in a post on X.