Massive rush at Tarakeswar temple on Maha Shivaratri, temple open all night | |Watch

Thousands of devotees thronged Tarakeswar Temple from early morning on Maha Shivaratri, forming long queues to offer prayers to Lord Shiva. Devotees carried milk, Ganga water, betel leaves, Dhatura flowers, and other offerings as part of the traditional rituals. The temple doors will remain open throughout the night, allowing continuous worship, with the main Maha Shivaratri puja scheduled at midnight. Temple authorities have restricted prasad offerings inside the sanctum, limiting them to fruits, ghee, honey, chickpeas, milk, and curd.

With the growing crowd, security has been tightened across the temple premises, with police and volunteers managing entry and movement. Checkpoints have been set up to regulate the flow of devotees, and barricades have been installed to prevent overcrowding. The police administration has confirmed that additional personnel have been deployed to ensure safety, monitor queues, and manage emergencies. CCTV surveillance is active, and medical assistance has been arranged for any health-related issues among devotees.

Mohant Maharaj, the head priest of Tarakeswar Math and Mission, conducted special rituals marking the significance of Maha Shivaratri. The temple has seen a steady increase in footfall throughout the day, with thousands more expected by night. Local transport services have reported heavy rush, with extra buses and trains arranged for pilgrims. Authorities have urged devotees to follow guidelines and cooperate to ensure a smooth and safe celebration of the festival.