Hyderabad, Mar 8 (UNI)The festival of Mahashivratri is being celebrated across Telangana with religious fervour and gaiety on Friday.
Devout Hindus, many of them observing fast, thronged Siva temples since dawn in the state and offered special Abhishekams, Archanas and Rudrabhishekams to Lord Siva.
A sea of humanity was seen at the famous Siva temples including Sri Rajarajeshwara Swamy temple in Vemulawada and Ramalingeswara Swamy temple in Keesara in Telangana.
Devotees will participate in "maha Jagaran" (keeping awake the whole night) organised by social and religious bodies tonight and participate in bhajans a pooja programs.
Shops selling fruits and flowers did brisk business in the two states in view of the festival.
Authorities made elaborate arrangements at major Siva shrines in the two states for the benefit of devotees.
In a message, Governor Dr Tamilisai Soundararajan said Maha Sivaratri, the night of wakefulness, signifies the night of awakening.
It is one of the most important festivals for the millions of devotees of the most compassionate god, “Lord Shiva”, she said.

The Maha Sivaratri, which is believed to have cosmic importance, is observed with fervour and devotion, the governor said.
She said, “May this auspicious occasion inspire noble thoughts of love, affection, amity, and brotherhood in all of us.”
“I once again convey my warm greetings to all the people on this auspicious occasion," the governor added.
UNI VV ARN