Mahashivaratri, the grand night of Lord Shiva, is celebrated with great devotion across India, especially in prominent Shaiva Kshetras (sacred Shiva temples) in different states. Each region has its own distinct traditions, rituals, and cultural significance associated with the festival. Here’s a glimpse of Mahashivaratri celebrations in various states:

1. Uttarakhand – Kedarnath Temple**
Mahashivaratri in Kedarnath, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, is marked by special pujas and abhishekams. Though the temple remains closed during winter, devotees offer prayers to Lord Shiva at the Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath, where the Kedarnath deity is worshiped during this time.

2. Uttar Pradesh – Kashi Vishwanath, Varanasi**
In Varanasi, the holiest city for Shaivites, Mahashivaratri is celebrated with grandeur at Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Devotees perform “Rudrabhishek” with milk, honey, ghee, and holy Ganga water. The city comes alive with kirtans, processions, and the famous “Shiv Baraat,” where devotees enact Lord Shiva’s celestial wedding.

3. Madhya Pradesh – Mahakaleshwar, Ujjain**
Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga in Ujjain witnesses a divine celebration with a special **Bhasma Aarti**, where sacred ash is offered to the lingam at dawn. Thousands of devotees observe fasting and perform abhishekam with sacred water and bilva leaves.

4. Gujarat – Somnath Temple**
At Somnath Jyotirlinga, Mahashivaratri is celebrated with Vedic hymns, grand aartis, and continuous chanting of “Om Namah Shivaya.” Devotees throng the temple for darshan and participate in night-long vigils and bhajans.

5. Maharashtra – Trimbakeshwar & Bhimashankar**
The Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga in Nashik and Bhimashankar Temple near Pune see lakhs of devotees performing special pujas and Rudrabhishekams. The temples host massive fairs and processions dedicated to Lord Shiva.

6. Tamil Nadu – Chidambaram & Thanjavur Brihadeeswarar Temple**
The Chidambaram Nataraja Temple hosts the grand **Ananda Tandava** festival, symbolizing Lord Shiva’s cosmic dance. The Brihadeeswarar Temple witnesses elaborate rituals and cultural performances. Devotees also undertake the **Girivalam** (circumambulation) of Arunachala Hill in Tiruvannamalai.

7. Karnataka – Murudeshwara & Gokarna**
In Murudeshwara, famous for its towering Shiva statue, and Gokarna, Mahashivaratri is observed with special abhishekams and temple fairs. The Rathotsava (chariot festival) at Gokarna Mahabaleshwar Temple is a major highlight.

8. Andhra Pradesh & Telangana – Srisailam & Keesaragutta**
Srisailam, home to Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga, hosts grand processions, abhishekam, and special pujas. At Keesaragutta near Hyderabad, lakhs of devotees perform Shiva Puja with bael leaves and water.

9. Odisha – Lingaraj Temple, Bhubaneswar**
Mahashivaratri at Lingaraj Temple is marked by **Jagara Jatra**, where devotees stay awake all night, offering lamps and reciting Shiva hymns. The temple complex witnesses a surge of devotees offering prayers to the 11th-century deity.

10. West Bengal – Tarakeswar Temple**
Devotees at Tarakeswar Shiva Temple offer Ganga water, perform night-long jagaran, and take part in grand processions celebrating Shiva’s divine presence.

11. Himachal Pradesh – Baijnath Temple**
Baijnath Temple in Kangra hosts traditional Vedic pujas, fasting rituals, and bhajans. The town is illuminated, and devotees gather to witness the sacred celebrations.

12. Bihar & Jharkhand – Baidyanath Dham (Deoghar)**
Mahashivaratri at Baidyanath Jyotirlinga in Deoghar is marked by special anointments, chanting, and the famous Shiva Baraat procession. Pilgrims from across India offer holy water from the Ganges to the deity.

13. Rajasthan – Eklingji Temple, Udaipur**
At the Eklingji Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva as the ruling deity of Mewar, grand Mahashivaratri celebrations include ceremonial processions, bhajans, and special abhishekams.

14. Punjab & Haryana – Katas Raj Temples & Pataleshwar Mahadev**
Devotees visit ancient Shiva temples such as Pataleshwar Mahadev and offer prayers at the sacred Katas Raj temple complex (now in Pakistan) known for its divine Shiva lake.

15. Assam – Umananda Temple**
Umananda Temple, situated on Peacock Island in the Brahmaputra, sees thousands of devotees offering prayers, lighting lamps, and taking holy dips in the river.

16. Kerala – Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple**
The Ettumanoor temple hosts a special **Ezhara Ponnana** festival during Mahashivaratri, where golden elephant idols are paraded in a grand procession. Devotees perform special bhajans and aartis.

17. Chhattisgarh – Mahamaya Temple, Ratanpur
Devotees visit the Mahamaya Temple and other Shaiva shrines to offer prayers, perform pujas, and observe night-long vigils, seeking Shiva’s blessings.

18. Arunachal Pradesh & Northeast – Parasuram Kund
Devotees from across the Northeast visit Parasuram Kund and other Shiva temples to take ritualistic dips and perform traditional pujas on Mahashivaratri.

Mahashivaratri is truly a unifying festival, bringing together devotees from different regions and traditions in the shared devotion to Lord Shiva. Each Shaiva Kshetra reflects the deep spiritual and cultural heritage of India, making this night of divine consciousness an unforgettable experience for millions.