Townhall Times, New Delhi
Reporter: Bhavika Kalra
New Delhi | Feb 15, 2026
If you’ve been on social media today, you’ve probably seen the flood of “Har Har Mahadev” posts. Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined in early this morning, sending out a pretty deep message for Maha Shivaratri. He wasn’t just doing the usual festive greeting; he talked about the day as a chance for “inner transformation” and a way to find some calm amidst all the daily chaos.
For millions of people fasting today, this isn’t just a religious date—it’s the “Great Night of Shiva.” The PM’s message really leaned into that, calling on everyone to channel Shiva’s qualities like strength, simplicity, and staying grounded.
Why Today Feels Different
The energy at temples like Kashi Vishwanath in Varanasi and Mahakal in Ujjain has been off the charts since 4 AM.
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The Mythology: This is the night people celebrate the divine wedding of Shiva and Parvati. It’s also the night of the Tandava—that cosmic dance that’s all about creation and starting fresh.
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The “Victory” Theme: The core idea is the win of light over darkness. The PM tied this back to the country, saying we should use this spirit to get rid of “negativity” and work together.
More Than Just Prayers: The Economy and Environment
It was interesting to see the PM mention a few things you don’t usually hear in a religious greeting:
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Spiritual Tourism: These festivals are a massive lifeline for local shops, hotels, and flower sellers. The PM basically said that improving infrastructure at pilgrimage sites is a priority because it helps the local economy grow.
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Nature & Shiva: Since Shiva is the god of the mountains and forests, the PM made a push for environmental awareness. He basically said: if you respect Shiva, you’ve got to respect the rivers and the planet.
High-Tech Devotion
Even though the traditions are ancient, the way we’re celebrating in 2026 is high-tech.
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Virtual Darshan: For anyone stuck at home or in the office, live streams of the aartis have been everywhere.
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The Night Watch: Thousands are participating in “Prahar Puja”—the four rounds of worship that happen throughout the night.
The Big Picture
Beyond the fasting and the chants, the message from the top was about unity. In a country as diverse as India, these festivals are like the “social glue” that keeps everyone connected. The PM gave a quick shout-out to the volunteers and cops managing the sea of people today, which is no small feat.
The Verdict: Today is about “renewal.” Whether you’re a devout follower or just enjoying the festive energy, the message is the same: stay disciplined, keep it simple, and help someone out.
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