Jagaran

In certain Indian cultures, Jagaran (or Jagara) is the act of intentionally staying awake.

It is believed that Lingam is born at midnight on the Maha Shivaratri day, and devotees of the deity who have fasted for the whole day are expected to keep themselves awake throughout the night. They keep themselves engaged in group singing, chanting, listening to the stories of Shiva narrated by a scholar, or watching plays based on the life of Lord Shiva.

The marriage of Lord Shiva and Devi Parvati is celebrated in the temple after sunrise. The devotees watch or participate in the celebration of the divine marriage, and break their fast by taking prasad (food offered to God) from the priest. The act of keeping Jagaran is done only on certain holy days.