by Arun Pathak
Bokaro: The steel city of Bokaro was immersed in deep devotion on Mahashivratri, with temples echoing with chants of “Har Har Mahadev” and devotional hymns throughout the day. Markets selling fruits, flowers, sweets and puja materials witnessed heavy rush as Sanatan Dharma followers marked the festival with traditional fervour.
A major highlight was the 45th annual celebration at Baba Niranjan Nath Shiva Temple in Sector 6D, where a 48-hour Harinam Mahayagna was organised from February 13 to 15. A grand Shiva procession was taken out in the evening, followed by the ceremonial Shiva-Parvati marriage and prasad distribution at night.
At the Shyam Mai Temple complex in Sector 2, members of the Mithila community created over 1.25 lakh earthen Shivlingas and performed elaborate rituals. The Shiv Shakti Bol Bam Committee also celebrated the Shiva-Parvati wedding and the 16th Prathapana Day of Baba Ambikanath Mahadev with devotion.
Using sacred soil brought from Simaria, devotees crafted more than 1.37 lakh Shivlingas in the Mithila tradition. The event was hosted by Sardar Krishna Chandra Jha and committee president Shailendra Kumar Mishra, with significant participation from Mithila women. Across Bokaro district, devotees also organised Rudrabhishek ceremonies in temples and homes, adding to the festive spiritual atmosphere.
