Raj Sadosh/Abohar.

BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha marked an especially auspicious Maha-Shivaratri, coinciding with the conclusion of the 45-day Maha Kumbh Mela that occurs only once in 144 years.

People in large numbers gathered at BAPS mandirs and centres across the UK and parts of Europe to celebrate the sacred occasion of Maha-Shivaratri.

The festival was observed with fasting, prayers, Rudrabhishek of the Shivling, chanting of the ‘Aum Namah Shivaya’ mantra, and an annakut offering.

A highlight of this year’s celebrations was holy water from the Triveni Sangam that was brought from Prayagraj especially for this occasion. Devotees and well-wishers were able to be blessed by this sacred water by sprinkling it on their heads.

Ram Komal, a Master’s student in Luton, said that he couldn’t go to the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, but feels so fortunate to still be blessed by this holy water. It’s so reassuring to have these mandirs where our Sanatan Hindu festivals and traditions are alive and accessible.

Khushboo Miyani, a leading volunteer for BAPS in the UK, said, “This year’s Maha-Shivaratri was truly special as it coincided with the rare celestial conclusion of the Maha Kumbh Mela. It was heartwarming to see so many devotees as well as friends from the local community coming together in devotion, performing abhishek, and receiving the holy water from Prayagraj.”