Know how India celebrated Mahashivratri (watch pics)

New Delhi:Millions of devotees on Thursday observed a day's fast and offered prayers to seek Lord Shiva's blessing on the occasion of Maha Shivratri.This festival celebrates the convergence of Shiva and Shakti on the Krishna Paksha Chaturdashi of Hindu calendar month Maagha.Devotees offered the Bel or golden apple fruit alongwith Bilva/Vilvam leaves to Lord Shiva during prayers.All through the day, devotees chant "Om Namah Shivaya", penances are performed in order to gain boons through Yoga and meditation, in order to attain life's fulfilments. Here are some of the pics of Mahashivratri festival: Devotees wait with pots of water to offer prayers to Lord Shiva on the occasion of "Shivaratri" festival in Jammu. (AP pic) A devotee dressed as Lord Shiva dances as he participates in a procession on the eve of Shivratri festival, in Jammu. (AP pic) Hindu devotees wait to offer prayers to Lord Shiva. (AP pic) A devotee dressed as Lord Shiva participates in a procession on the eve of Shivratri festival. (AP pic) A devotee dressed as a demon participates in a procession on the eve of Shivratri festival, in Jammu. (AP pic) Devotees dressed as demons participate in a procession on the eve of Shivratri festival. (AP pic) A sadhu walks carrying his belongings in the courtyard of the Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu, Nepal. (AP pic) Sadhus rest in the courtyard of the Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu. (AP pic)