Maha Shivratri is one of the most important and auspicious festivals of Hindus.

The annual festival honours Lord Shiva and his sacred union with Goddess Parvati.

Shiva and Shakti together represent love, power, and unity, the fusion takes place at night.

It is an important event for fasting, meditation on Shiva, self-study, social harmony and an all-night vigil at Shiva temples.

The legend of Shaivism states that Shiva performs the heavenly dance of creation, preservation, and destruction on this night.

But, for the ascetics, it is the day he became one with Mount Kailash.

The day focuses on virtues such as honesty, non-violence, charity, forgiveness, and the discovery of Shiva.

This year Shivratri falls on March 8.