Millions Mark Maha Shivratri at Temples in India, Nepal

Millions of devotees across India and Nepal gathered at Shiva temples on Sunday to celebrate Maha Shivratri, one of Hinduism's most revered festivals dedicated to Lord Shiva, with elaborate rituals, heightened security and traditional observances drawing crowds from early morning hours.

In Odisha, lakhs of worshippers thronged prominent shrines including the Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar, Dhabaleswar Temple in Cuttack and Mahendragiri hill in Gajapati district. Temples were adorned with flowers, lights and earthen lamps, creating a festive atmosphere. Devotees queued from as early as 4 a.m. for darshan, or sacred viewing, of the deity. The ceremonial raising of the Mahadeepa, a massive sacred lamp, was scheduled at various sites, with the Lingaraj Temple's event set for 10 p.m. and Dhabaleswar's for 1 a.m. the following day. Authorities deployed extensive security measures, including 41 platoons of police and over 200 officers at Lingaraj alone, to manage crowds and traffic, according to Bhubaneswar Deputy Commissioner of Police Jagmohan Meena. Similar arrangements were made at other sites, such as five platoons at Mahendragiri, as stated by Gajapati Superintendent of Police...