The Shiv Durga Temple of Bay Area celebrated Maha Shivratri with an iced Shivling on Feb. 17 in Santa Clara, Calif. Devotees stood in long lines to receive darshan and prasad. Here’s a look at the celebration!

This picture shows people walking outside a temple.
Devotees wait in line for darshan for Maha Shivratri at the Shiv Durga Temple of Bay Area on Feb. 18, 2023 in Santa Clara, Calif. Photo: Sree Sripathy for India Currents/CatchLight Local.
This picture shows people standing in line to see the deity.
A devotee (center) prays to the Shivling for Maha Shivratri at the Shiv Durga Temple of Bay Area on Feb. 18, 2023 in Santa Clara, Calif. Photo: Sree Sripathy for India Currents/CatchLight Local.
This picture shows a garlanded deity made of ice.
The ice Shivling for Maha Shivratri at the Shiv Durga Temple of Bay Area on Feb. 18, 2023 in Santa Clara, Calif. Photo: Sree Sripathy for India Currents/CatchLight Local.
This picture shows fruit, flowers and a bowl of dollars.
Fruits, flowers and money are placed in front of the ice Shivling for Maha Shivratri at the Shiv Durga Temple of Bay Area on Feb. 18, 2023 in Santa Clara, Calif. Photo: Sree Sripathy for India Currents/CatchLight Local.
This picture shows an older woman stading next to a garlanded deity
A temple volunteer waits to place kumkum on devotees for Maha Shivratri at the Shiv Durga Temple of Bay Area on Feb. 18, 2023 in Santa Clara, Calif. Photo: Sree Sripathy for India Currents/CatchLight Local.
This picture shows three cans of milk
Gallons of milk lie ready to be used for the abhishek for Maha Shivratri at the Shiv Durga Temple of Bay Area on Feb. 18, 2023 in Santa Clara, Calif. Photo: Sree Sripathy for India Currents/CatchLight Local.
This picture shows a woman praying to a Shivalinga
Abhishek sponsors pour milk on the Shiv Ling for Maha Shivratri at the Shiv Durga Temple of Bay Area on Feb. 18, 2023 in Santa Clara, Calif. Photo: Sree Sripathy for India Currents/CatchLight Local.
This picture shows a group of women sitting on the floor
Young dancers wait to perform for Maha Shivratri at the Shiv Durga Temple of Bay Area on Feb. 18, 2023 in Santa Clara, Calif. Photo: Sree Sripathy for India Currents/CatchLight Local.
This picture shows a group of people sitting on the floor awaiting the puja.
Families sit on the temple floor to watch the dance performance for Maha Shivratri at the Shiv Durga Temple of Bay Area on Feb. 18, 2023 in Santa Clara, Calif. Photo: Sree Sripathy for India Currents/CatchLight Local.
This picture shows a Hindu priest performing the puja
Water is used to cleanse the diety for Maha Shivratri at the Shiv Durga Temple of Bay Area on Feb. 18, 2023 in Santa Clara, Calif. Photo: Sree Sripathy for India Currents/CatchLight Local.
This picture shows people serving food to people waiting in line
Visitors wait in line for Preeti Bhoj for Maha Shivratri at the Shiv Durga Temple of Bay Area on Feb. 18, 2023 in Santa Clara, Calif. Photo: Sree Sripathy for India Currents/CatchLight Local.

Sree Sripathy joined India Currents as a staff photographer and CatchLight Local Fellow as part of CatchLight's California Local Visual Desk program in June 2022. Reach out with story ideas or comments...