Devotees queue up in front of a temple on Boring Road to offer their prayers for Maha Shivaratri and (right) a snake charmer outside the temple, in Patna on Wednesday. Pictures by Nagendra Kumar Singh

Patna, March 2: Maha Shivaratri was celebrated across the city today with traditional enthusiasm and religious fervour.

For the devotees, the day started early as they went out to take a bath before offering their prayers.

People thronged temples all through the day with many waiting in long queues to offer prayers and pour milk on the shivling. The Shiv temples had been decorated and illuminated. Special discourses relating to the Hindu lord were held. Bhajan and kirtan were organised at different places and the Shiv Mahima recited throughout the day.

Ram Parvesh Sharma, the priest of the Yarpur Shiv temple, said: “Since three in the morning, devotees have been coming to the temples to worship the lord. Devotees are coming from far off places to worship. Many of them offered milk, curd, honey, bel (wood apple) leaves to the lord. According to beliefs, the wishes of the devotees come true today once they offer these items.”

Madhuresh Kumar, a devotee at Boring Road Shiv temple, said: “Among the gods in Hindu religion, Shiva holds a special place for his role in creation and destruction. We believe that he blesses all his devotees who worship him sincerely.”

“Maha Shivaratri is celebrated all through the night. I got up at 4am and went to the nearby Shiva temple to offer prayers. I also prepared special sweets on the occasion,” said Sushila Kumari, a homemaker.

Rajabazar Shiv temple priest, Shyam Bihari said: “On this day Lord Shiva is said to have performed tandava, the dance of creation, preservation and destruction. He married goddess Parvati on the occasion.”

Devotees also took out processions. Girls, as well as married women, kept a fast on this day.