Maha Shivaratri is special day in the Hindu calendar for offering reverence to Lord Shiva. Devotees flock to bathe the shivaling – a representation of the popular Hindu deity symbolising his energy and potentiality – with panchamrut (a holy mixture of milk, yoghurt, honey, sugar and ghee) and to offer bilva-patra (bael leaves). It is also a day of fasting and chanting, while an annakut (offering of food) will be made to the deities in the shrine.