Mahashivaratri, the most significant festival dedicated to Lord Shiva, is celebrated with great devotion across India and in various parts of the world. While many people are familiar with the general customs of fasting, chanting, and praying during this night, there are several lesser-known traditions and regional variations associated with the festival. Here are a few unique customs that are associated with Shivratri and the worship of Lord Shiva:

1. "Bilva Patra" Offering:

In some regions, people offer Bilva leaves (Bael leaves) to Shiva as an essential ritual during Shivaratri. Each leaf is carefully offered three times, as the three leaflets symbolize the three aspects of Lord Shiva — creation, protection, and destruction. The Bilva or Bael tree itself is considered sacred, and its leaves are thought to purify the soul.

2. Night Vigil and Chanting 

While it is common to chant the mantra "Om Namah Shivaya" during Shivaratri, some devotees take part in a 24-hour vigil in temples, homes, or by riverside. They may chant continuously or even sing devotional songs dedicated to Lord Shiva, such as "Shiv Stuti" and "Shiva Ashtakshara Mantra."

3. Bathing in Ashes (Vibhuti Snan):

A lesser known ritual practiced by some Shiva devotees involves applying sacred ash (Vibhuti) on the body, symbolizing the transcendence of the material world. This act of "bathing" in ashes is meant to remind one of the impermanence of life, honoring the form of Lord Shiva as Baba (the lord of the ashes). It is interesting to note that Vibhuti Snan was practised by many devotees during the recent Kumbh mela celebrations.

4. Offering of "Kailash Parvat" 

In certain parts of India, especially in Uttarakhand, devotees offer Kailash Parvat-shaped offerings (Mountain-shaped Offerings) made of flour and sugar to honor Lord Shiva. These are symbolic of the mythical Mount Kailash, the abode of Lord Shiva. People make such offerings to receive Lord Shiva's blessings.

5. All-night "Dance of Shiva" (Nataraja Dance):

In some temples, especially in Tamil Nadu and parts of southern India, there is a tradition of dancing to honour Lord Shiva as Nataraja, the cosmic dancer. Devotees imitate the dance of Lord Shiva with intricate movements symbolizing the creation, maintenance, and destruction of the universe. This is one of the key celebrations at the Isha Foundation where Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev himself dances in the ecstatic style of Lord Shiva.

6. Pooja with 108 Lotuses

In some traditions, people offer 108 lotuses (sometimes artificially created) during the pooja, aligning with the belief that 108 is a sacred number that represents the universe's perfection. The lotuses represent purity and beauty, aligning with Lord Shiva’s transcendental qualities.

7. Abhishekham With Curd and Fruit Juice 

The Abhishekam (ritual bath or anointing) of Lord Shiva is one of the most sacred and important rituals performed by devotees, especially during special occasions like Maha Shivaratri. While there are various substances used for the abhishekam, some lesser-known but highly significant ones are curd (yogurt) and fruit juice. While curd is considered a symbol of purity and nourishment, fruit juice is symbolic of the sweetness of life, growth, and abundance.

These rituals reflect the deep devotion to Lord Shiva and the vast diversity of customs surrounding Shivaratri, each with unique regional flavours and spiritual practices. What’s common among them all is the reverence for Lord Shiva and the desire to seek his divine blessings during this auspicious night.