Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami offered prayers at the Vankhandi Mahadev Temple in Chakarpur, Khatima, on the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivratri on Wednesday.
Extending his greetings to the people of the state, Dhami wrote on X, "Hearty congratulations and best wishes to all the people of the state on the sacred festival of Maha Shivratri. I pray to Lord Mahadev for a happy, healthy, and auspicious life for all of you."
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extended his wishes, praying for the well-being and prosperity of the people.
"I wish all my countrymen a very happy Mahashivratri, a festival dedicated to Lord Shiva. May this divine occasion bring happiness, prosperity and good health to all of you, and also strengthen the resolve for a developed India. Har Har Mahadev!" PM Modi wrote on X.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also greeted the nation on the occasion.
"Heartiest greetings to all countrymen on the holy festival of Mahashivratri. This festival of the union of Shiva and Shakti is a great festival of spirituality, introspection and faith. I pray to Devadhidev Mahadev for the welfare of all," Amit Shah posted.
Meanwhile, Rajnath Singh wrote, "Best wishes to all of you on the holy festival of Mahashivratri! May Mahadev increase happiness, prosperity, and health in the life of all of you. Jai Bholenath!"
Mahashivratri, also known as the Night of Lord Shiva, is celebrated with immense devotion across India and other Hindu-majority regions. The festival, which falls on Wednesday this year, is expected to draw nearly one million pilgrims to temples.
The festival is observed annually on the 13th night or 14th day of the lunar-solar month, according to the Hindu calendar. On this sacred day, Lord Shiva's temples witness a massive influx of devotees, who gather to offer prayers and seek blessings.