Originally posted by: varaali
No they do not signify the same thing.
Mahashivaratri is celebrated on the 13th day (triodashi) of Krishna paksha (waning phase of the moon) in the month of Phalgun, This comes sometime in March / April.
There are several stories as to why Mahashivaratri is celebrated - each region having its own version. The main elements involved in celebrating Mahashivaratri are - fasting (or at least reducing the intake of food) and abhishek (pouring of water, milk, honey, etc) over the Shiva Linga and Puja extending to well after midnight.
It is common to try and observe a fast on this day. But in my experience, every one- (not just unmarried girls , as Shruti mentioned) - but everyone- men, women old and young tries to keep a fast. If it is not possible to abstain from food completely, fruits or raw vegetables can be had.
In the great Shiva temples across India, the Mahashivaratri celebrations are a sight to behold- especially from evening onwards- with the grand abhishekams, the Rudram- Chamakam chant in the background, the teeming crowds... I think, in the temples in North India, it is possible to enter the sanctum sanctorum and personally offer milk and vivla leaves on this day. The very devout also try and keep awake the whole night.
Karva Chauth- occurs sometime b/w Navaratri and Diwali and to the best of my knowledge is a more personal celebration- observed within the confines of family and society. While Shivaratri is celebrated across length and breadth of India, Karva Chauth is limited to certain sections in North India. The main motive of Karva chauth fast is to pray for the longevity of husband's life and it is observed only by married women - unlike the Shivaratri fast which can be observed by everyone.
The Mahashivaratri celebrations are governed by vedic and puranic traditions while the KC is guided more by local and folk mythology.
thank you so much for the info dear...really it helped a lot...thank you š
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