Hajipur, Feb. 15 -- Union Minister for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai on Sunday participated in Mahashivratri at Hajipur, Vaishali District and led the 'Shiv Baarat'.

He drove a bullock cart, as the 'Gadiwan' (charioteer) of Lord Shiva's palanquin, which left from the historic Shiv Temple Pataleshwar Nath.

Speaking to ANI, MoS Home Nityanand Rai prayed for the well-being of all devotees, and reflected on his long-time tradition of participating in the Shiv Baarat as a "charioteer."

"Today is the sacred festival of Mahashivratri. I pray to Mahadev that he blesses the devotees with welfare... This tradition has been ongoing for years, and Shiv Baraat begins at Baba Parameshwar Nath Temple. I, too, have participated in this Shiv Baraat as a c...