While i was busy praying with naga panchami fragrant incense sticks my daughter exclaimed, "mom, why have you turned so religious"? She is always the first one to spot change in me, whether it is mental or physical. I explained her praying and thanking god is one of the good habits, she must learn. And this change in me she noticed when she saw me fasting on Maha Shivratri. My mother always said if I fast during Maha Shivratri there are chances that I will get married to a decent husband like Lord Shiva (and she is right!). Following her instructions i continued fasting every year up till i got married. My mother shared the rituals she used to follow when she fasted for Shivratri before her marriage. She followed nirjala (no water and no food for the day) fasting and worshiped Lord Shiva for all 4 prahars (times) during the day and stayed awake till dawn. This year is my come-back to Maha Shivratri. Dressed up in a new saree my husband took me to a temple. Its been le