On a moonless night in February or March every year, occurs the night of Shiva, the destroyer. This is the night when He is said to have performed the tandava or the dance of primordial creation, preservation and destruction. Devotees of Shiva fast during the day and maintain a long vigil during the night. In temples all across the country, bells ring, sacred texts are chanted and traditional offerings of leaves and milk are made to the shiv lingam, the phallic symbol of the god.
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