Uttarakhand CM Dhami performs puja at Vankhandi Mahadev Temple on Mahashivratri

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.

महाशिवरात्रि के पावन अवसर पर चकरपुर, खटीमा स्थित वनखंडी महादेव मंदिर में देवाधिदेव महादेव की पूजा-अर्चना कर समस्त प्रदेशवासियों के सुख-समृद्धि की कामना की। भगवान शिव का आशीष समस्त प्रदेशवासियों पर बना रहे, यही कामना है। pic.twitter.com/D5zrENMnov

— Pushkar Singh Dhami (@pushkardhami) February 26, 2025

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.

सभी देशवासियों को भगवान भोलेनाथ को समर्पित पावन-पर्व महाशिवरात्रि की असीम शुभकामनाएं। यह दिव्य अवसर आप सभी के लिए सुख-समृद्धि और उत्तम स्वास्थ्य लेकर आए, साथ ही विकसित भारत के संकल्प को सुदृढ़ करे, यही कामना है। हर-हर महादेव! pic.twitter.com/4gYM5r4JnR

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 26, 2025

"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.

हर हर महादेव!

महाशिवरात्रि के पावन पर्व की समस्त देशवासियों को हार्दिक शुभकामनाएँ। शिव और शक्ति के मिलन का यह पर्व अध्यात्म, आत्मचिंतन और आस्था का महापर्व है। देवाधिदेव महादेव से सभी के कल्याण की कामना करता हूँ। pic.twitter.com/V4R4QAEEKQ

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) February 26, 2025

"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!"

महाशिवरात्रि के पावन पर्व की आप सभी को अनंत शुभकामनाएँ! महादेव आप सभी के जीवन में सुख, समृद्धि और स्वास्थ्य की वृद्धि करें। जय भोलेनाथ! pic.twitter.com/EP4gI5AkZR

— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) February 26, 2025

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.