New Delhi: To celebrate one of India’s largest and most sacred festivals, Mahashivratri, &TV artists Kamna Pathak (Rajesh, Happu Ki Ultan Paltan), Vidisha Srivastava (Anita Bhabi, Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai) and Neha Joshi (Yashoda, Doosri Maa), visited the most revered Lord Shiva temples. Vidisha Srivastava (Anita Bhabi) visited her hometown, Varanasi, to attend the Shiv Mahotsav at the world-famous Kashi Vishwanath temple. Kamna Pathak (Rajesh Singh) visited her hometown Indore and then witnessed the grand celebration at one of the most revered Lord Shiva temples in Ujjain – the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga temple. Neha Joshi (Yashoda) sought blessings at Haridwar’s famous Shiv temple – Shiv Ki Pauri.
Talking about her visit to the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga in Ujjain, Kamna Pathak who plays Rajesh in &TV’s Happu Ki Ultan Paltan said, “Mahashivratri is a unique event at the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga temple. The temple celebrates the nine-night festival ‘Navratri’ during this time. In this ceremony known as Shringar, Mahakal (Shiva) is dressed in various costumes. Ever since I have been in Indore, I have seen grand Mahashivaratri celebrations many times. But I still love coming back here every year to be a part of it. During Mahashivaratri, the city has a different vibe and energy, which I enjoy. I was fortunate enough to relive the experience and receive blessings at one of the most revered temples in India this year. I seek the blessings of Lord Shiva for every new beginning in my life. I also returned to my hometown Indore, indulged in my favorite street food and shopped at my favorite bullion market. During this trip, I was able to reconnect with my old Indorian friends and relive my youth.
Vidisha Srivastava who plays Anita Bhabi in &TV’s Bhabiji Ghar Par Hain visits the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi and says, “The holy festival of Mahashivratri is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion across the country. But the grandeur of this festival in Varanasi is on another level; After all, it is the “City of Shiva”. The holy festival here is celebrated with full faith and devotion. This year I got the opportunity to return to my hometown and seek the blessings of Baba Kashi Vishwanath. I couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate the occasion. The temple was beautifully decorated, and lakhs of Shiva devotees gathered to seek the blessings. This is not a one day programme. At Kashi Vishwanath, two devotees dressed as Shiva and Parvati lead the entire crowd in a dance. , Other rituals of their marriage are also performed with grandeur in various events. It was really an amazing experience. The grand celebrations were spectacular, and chanting “Har Har Mahadev” with millions of Shiva devotees was a spiritual experience. Also, I reminisce about my home and school. At my favorite stalls, I relished my favorite dishes like tomato chaat, samosa, kachori, jalebi, and malayo. This Mahashivaratri was a true celebration for me. I pray that Lord Shiva keep us B Kam and we will continue to entertain our viewers of Bhabiji Ghar Par Hain.
Talking about her visit to the famous Shiva ki Pauri temple in Haridwar, Neha Joshi, playing the role of Yashoda in &TV’s Second Mother, says, “Mahashivratri is celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm in Haridwar. And I consider myself lucky to have witnessed this magical moment in this holy city. I started my day with Ganga Aarti and later went to the Shiva temple to seek blessings. I also saw the famous Prakasheshwar Mahayatra, in which Shiva’s ganas (attendants) dressed as ghosts and rakshasas (demons) chanting ‘Bam-Bam Bhole’, was a wonderful experience. I had always heard and seen about the festival but it was amazing to see it in person. I am grateful and want to wish everyone a very happy Mahashivratri.”
Watch Doosri Maa at 8:00 pm, Happu Ki Ultan Paltan at 10:00 pm, and Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai at 10:30 pm, airing every Monday to Friday only on &TV!