Maha Shivaratri literally means Night of Shiva and is a festival celebrated every year on the 13th night/14th day in the Krishna Paksha in the month of Maagh or Phagun in the Hindu calendar. The festival is principally celebrated by offerings of Bel leaves to Lord Shiva, all day fasting and an all night long vigil. Cannabis (Bhang) is traditionally used as an offering for Lord Shiva and his followers. As per age-old traditions, penances are performed in order to gain boons in the practice of Yoga and meditation, in order to reach the goal more swiftly and avoid rebirth.