Indore (Madhya Pradesh): In a beautiful celebration of faith, devotion and cultural heritage, Free Press, in association with Shree Tulsi Nagar Saraswati Social Welfare Society and Tulsi Nagar Residential Society, hosted a grand Mahashivratri event that brought people together in the spirit of devotion.

The cultural programme, which featured a blend of devotional songs, bhajans and dance performances, was attended by 150 participants, including 125 children and 25 adults, showcasing a beautiful unity of all generations in worshipping Lord Shiva.

The evening's most heartwarming moment came when 18-month-old Pravya Yadav, the youngest participant, charmed the crowd with her innocent enthusiasm. Her participation added an extra layer of joy to the festivities, symbolising the purity and devotion that Mahashivratri represents.

The event was carefully organised, with participants able to register in advance or to sign up on the spot. This made it convenient for everyone to join in the celebration, which not only showcased devotion but also emphasised the cultural significance of the festival.

The soulful music, rhythmic dance performances and deeply spiritual atmosphere created an unforgettable experience for all attendees. The programme kicked off with a warm and inspiring welcome speech by Sharda Singh, who set the tone for the evening with her words of devotion.

Rajesh Tomar, president of the organising committee, highlighted the spiritual significance of Maha Shivratri, elaborating on its deep-rooted meaning in Hindu philosophy and its pivotal role in self-realisation. Sanjay Yadav spoke about the divine energy associated with Maha Shivratri, explaining how it represents a cosmic connection between spiritual and physical realms.

Vivek Sharma followed with a talk on the cultural importance of Lord Shiva’s cosmic dance and the sacred bond between Lord Shiva and Parvati, linking their divine relationship to the cosmic order. The philosophical aspects of the festival were also discussed by Pramod Bajpayee, who illustrated its connection to self-discipline, meditation and enlightenment.

Praveen Malviya provided insightful commentary on the festival’s rituals, including the importance of fasting, night-long prayers and chanting the sacred mantra “Om Namah Shivaya,” which is central to the Maha Shivratri celebration. The event concluded with Soma Verma delivering a vote of thanks to all the participants, volunteers and supporters.

She expressed her deep gratitude for their contributions, which made the Maha Shivratri celebration a divine and memorable experience. The evening left everyone feeling spiritually uplifted, a testament to the power of faith, devotion and community.