-- Samir Umarye BICHOLIM MARCH 2: The festival of Mahashivratri was today celebrated with great reverence by the people in Bicholim where thousands paid tributes to Lord Shiva.
A large number of devotees participated in the festivities at the Rudreshwar Temple in Harvalem-Sanquelim which is famous in the state. Today the celebrations began early morning, as different religious rituals like ‘Rudrabhishek’ were performed in the temple. Being Mahashivratri the people had direct access into the temple and were allowed to touch the shivlinga. At Harvalem and Narve ques were seen right from 4 am. The devotees were seen taking bath near the Harvalem waterfall and offering ‘Abhishek’ to Lord Shiva. Several stalls of different kind were also lined up in the area. Today along with the people several of the ministers and other officials paid tribute to the lord at Harvalem. The people also visited the nearby waterfall and the Harvalem caves to enjoy its beauty. Foreign tourists were also seen at the site, as they clicked photos of the age-old temple and purchased items from the many vendors lined up outside the temple premises. In Bicholim some of the places where mahashivratri was held include the temple at Vathadev, Pirachi kond, Latambarcem and other places. Police force was also kept near the temple to maintain smooth law and order.
