AGARTALA, February 17 (TIWN): Thousands of Hindu devotees dressed up in new clothes in Tripura thronged temples and offered special prayers on Tuesday to mark the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivratri.

Large queues of devotees were witnessed outside Shiv Bari Temple, Laxminarayan Bari Temple and Ker Chowhumani Kalibari since morning to perform abishek to Lord Shiva.

Religious programmes, bhajans and other cultural programmes also marked the celebrations.

Lots of devotees were also making bee-lines in other Shiva Temples in the city to offer their special prayers to lord Shiva.

According to Hindu Mythology, Maha Shivratri is associated with the marriage of Shiva and Parvati and is observed on the 13th night /14th day of the Hindu month of Phalguna or Maagh every year. 
Devotees celebrate the auspicious day by fasting and offering special prayers to Lord Shiva.

It is believed that those who chant the name of Lord Shiva and ‘Om Namah Shivay’ from the heart will be freed from all sins.