On March 5, the Shri Lakshmi Narayan Mandir, Riverside, celebrated Maha Shiva Ratri, one of the most auspicious vratas for the devotees of Lord Shiva. Shiva Ratri is the night when Lord Shiva created Himself by His own Divine Grace. Maha Shiva Ratri literally means ' the great night consecrated to Shiva.' The program began with sankalpa and a reading of the names of the sponsors. Recitation of Lingastakam, Rudrastakam and Shiva Mahima Stotram followed.

Throughout the night, which began at 6 pm and ended at midnight, devotees waited in line to offer milk, yogurt, fruit juice, buttermilk and honey. Kalashams were filled with offerings for abhishekam. The line continued from the Shiva Mandir through the length of the temple and ended in a small crowd at the front entrance. Even though it was a weeknight, a crowd of over 300 enjoyed the event. Even while abhishekam continued, a wedding procession was formed which proceeded through the Mandir, ending at the mandap. Head Priest Shukavak

Dasa led it, clearing the way by beating a cymbal. The procession consisted of young adults with multi-colored pennants, women bearing offerings of fruits and flowers and Mandir officials and sponsors carrying utsava murtis affixed to platforms, high upon their strong shoulders. On the mandap Mandir Priests Vipul Jani, Seshacharyulu Samudrala and Shukavak Dasa officiated at the wedding of Shiva and Parvati. On this day it is believed Lord Shiva was married to Parvati. At the end of the wedding, many came forward to offer arati.

While bhajans were being sung by Amit Anand, Mandir members enjoyed a sumptuous dinner donated by Punjab Palace. The bhajans continued until midnight when maha arati concluded the program.

The Festivals Committee members including Program Coordinator Suma Hareesh, Chairperson Sumathi Shaker, Raji Chakrapani, Usha Agarwal, Meena Sindher, and Ranjana Wanchoo wore blue. Because the event fell on Wednesday, a weekday, attendance was lower than usual. Devotees unable to attend the Wednesday program arrived at the Mandir all day the following day. It was evident by the number of devotees who visited the Mandir over the two-day period that Maha Shiva Ratri is considered an important day for Hindus in Southern California.