Shimla, Feb. 14 -- Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania on Saturday congratulated the nation and the state on the historic Mahashivratri.

In his congratulatory message, Pathania stated that Mahashivratri is a sacred, mythological Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Shiva. People have been celebrating this festival for centuries, as per the release.

He said it is celebrated annually on Krishna Chaturdashi in the month of Phalgun, commemorating the marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Pathania said that Mahashivratri means "Great Night of Shiva" and this festival symbolises spirituality, devotion, and penance.

Pathania said that although the Chaturdashi of the Krishna Paksha of every month is called Sh...