'Ki Kori Ami Ki Kori'; The Shivratri list

I have been observing Shivratri for the last fifteen years. Here are some popular beliefs about Shivratri which I have picked up in all these years.

Borrowed from The Purple Sack, a page on Facebook

·         The younger the merrier: It’s believed that if the girl starts observing the Shivratri vrat from a very tender age, then she is bound to be happy in life. She will get a husband 'like Shiva'.

I and my sisters have always teased Ma. We used to tell her that she will end up with sons-in-law who drink every day, are addicted to Marijuana, are ill-clad, lover of reptiles and yes with a disputable character. (No offense meant!)

·         Water, water everywhere but not a drop to drink: One is not supposed to drink a drop of water. No swallowing your saliva too. Unless Shiva has his drink, one has to keep a nirjola fast! A tough ritual but I find young girls and women following it loyally. Possibly this is where the foundation of a ‘pativrata naari’ is laid.

·         Shivratri comes with a guarantee: Yes there is, at least that’s what the elders have always preached us! One should walk barefooted to present her offerings to Shiva. The harder the ritual the better the chances in acquiring a ‘nice’ husband like Shiva. 

·         Jagran: How can you sleep when the Lord is yet to accept your offering? I have heard women telling others that they are NOT supposed to sleep that day. If they do then the Lord will pull their legs to wake them up. And the Lord touching their leg is a grave sin. So no afternoon siestas in Bengal. In Orissa, the women stay up the whole night participating in keertans sung in praise of the Lord. It’s known as ‘jagar’ in Orissa. Interesting!

·         No pora to be eaten: The fast can be broken only with fruits, sweets and milk. Dinner can be Paranthas but not Roti. Roti is a strict no for Shivratri. No non-vegetarian food is supposed to be consumed. Not even onions and garlic.

·         But drink galore! Now how is that possible? Well, Shiva is known to be a maatal (drunkard), a gajakhor (addicted to intoxicants). I have seen some women getting high on Ganja which they say is an ode to the deity!

·         For married women, shongjom (self control) is the ultimate word. Let me clarify it. No sexual relations between the couple that day or it would anger the God.

Now these are all debatable. I have no logic for them. But have found women around me performing them. Do let me know if you can add some more to my list of Shivratri beliefs.