The festival of Shiva Ratri is synonyms with Bhang, dhaturo and Ganja (Marijuana or Cannabis). Although the use of ganja is prohibited in other times, it is usually free during the time of shiva ratri. In the festival, youths and older people go to Pashupati area to smoke ganja.
Shiva Ratri for different age group
- Children and youths – they ask for alm on road by blocking the road and asking for money. The collected money is usually used to purchase wood for the fire used in the night.
- Married women fast and worship lord Shiva for the longevity of their husbands.
- Unmarried women also fast and worship Shiva and ask for the husband like him.
- Older males – worship shiva and enjoy the festival by drinking juices and laddu containing bhang and smoking ganja.
Fasting for their husband and future husband is a tradition in declining trend. I believe, that is the remains of the male dominated society. Continue reading
