PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
In preparation for the upcoming Maha Shivratri festival slated on February 15, temples in Dehradun have begun decorating their premises. On Thursday, people were seen visiting local puja shops to buy the festival paraphernalia. Many shop owners reported increased sales and anticipate a further surge as the festival approaches. Additionally, fruit vendors in the city are doing brisk business selling ‘Ber’, a fruit traditionally offered to Lord Shiva during Shivratri.
A shop owner, Vinay Updhayay said that with Maha Shivratri drawing near, the footfall of buyers in his shop is increasing. “Though things are yet to peak, the buying spree is gaining pace. I have stocked up all the necessary pooja items the buyers come for much ahead of the festival day,” he said.
The Maha Shivratri festival commemorates the union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
Meanwhile, special arrangements are being made at the revered Tapkeshwar temple in Dehradun to accommodate the large number of devotees expected on the festival day.
A temple priest, Pawan Dimri stated that preparations are underway to make this Maha Shivratri memorable. “Two volunteers would be deployed for the day, as the large crowds of devotees might lead to chaos. They will ensure that visitors offer prayers in an orderly manner,” he said. He added that while the main decorations will be made at the last minute, preparations for the festival are already underway.
Many other city temples are also being appropriately decked for Maha Shivratri and Bhajan Kirtans (devotional singing) preparations have begun for the occasion.
A Doonite, Kiran Pandey while talking to this correspondent said that she has already purchased some pooja items required for Shivratri. “Every year on this day, I fast and visit the local temple early in the morning with my children to offer prayers. I make it a point to take my children with me to the temple on such occasions to let them get rooted in our ancient culture,” she added.
