Devotees throng temples on Maha Shivratri in Punjab, Haryana

Since early morning, the devotees thronged Shiva temples to offer prayers and were seen taking a holy bath in rivers, sacred 'sarovars' and performing special 'pujas'.

The famous Saketri temple here was bedecked for the celebrations.

Punjab and Haryana Governor Kaptan Singh Solanki, who is also Chandigarh UT's Administrator, has extended greetings to the people on the sacred occasion of Maha Shivratri.

In a message, the Governor said that this holy festival reminds us of our pursuit for truth and understanding and symbolises salvation, devotion, dedication and fulfillment, in human life.

"This festival depicts our composite culture of peaceful co-existence and also reminds us to adopt a correct and positive attitude in our day-to-day life," he said.

Solanki appealed to the people to celebrate this festival collectively, rising above considerations of caste, creed and religion, in the true spirit of harmony.

The festival was also celebrated with traditional fervour and gaiety in both the states as large number of devotees gathered at the temples.

The devotees made a beeline at the Shiva temples at Amritsar, Jalandhar, Ludhiana and Patiala in Punjab.

Huge rush of devotees was seen at temples in Kurukshetra in Haryana where they took a dip in the sacred 'sarovars'. In Yamunanagar also, devotees took a dip in the Yamuna river.