Maha Shivaratri, the ‘night of Lord Shiva’, was celebrated  in the town in  a grand manner, with devotees revering Shiva – one of the deities of the Hindu trinity, since early morning today.The religious ambience and fervour were unmistakable, with devotees thronging the temples of Lord Shiva since morning. The peripheries of temples buzzed with activities as vendors made brisk sale of religious wares and laddoos and ghotas of bhang. Maha Shivaratri rituals include observing fast during day and night, performing a ritual bath of the Shivalinga with water, milk, honey and ghee, offering belpatra, flowers, and special offering of bhang and dhatura (believed to be favourite items to satisfy the Lord). The Maha Shivaratri holds a special significance for the worshippers, who perform bhajans and sing devotional songs praising Shiva for the entire night. Some special puja are also performed at Shiva temples that continue till wee hours of the next morning.