Siva is an ancient deity. Some feel Siva as the lord of the animals or the hunt, is reflected even as far ago as the paleolithic age as found in the cave paintings in many places in the world. This symbolizes Siva as an ancient deity. The legends of Siva reveal all these aspects. Sivaratri signifies the end of winter and the arrival of spring as well.
People get up earlier than usual, take a bath preferably in a river, lake or at home.
Then they go to a temple nearby or set up a small linga at home. These are for the most part a collection of terms in Sanskrit of the titles of Siva, a type of shorthand reference to the legends. After the pooja is over they observe a fast. Unlike each Hindu festival which begins with the ritualistic worship of the presiding deity followed by a feast, Sivaratri differs in that one dedicates the entire day of twenty-four hours to the worship of Lord Siva. In the evening they generally go to a nearby temple where in the company of many others they listen to recitals of the legends and their meanings.