According to the legendry believe it was said that when asked by Parvati to Lord Shiva about his most pleasing day, he said that the fortnight of the new moon that is the month of Phalgun pleased him the most. That's one of the main reason why the Hindus kept 13th night vigil in fasting and prayer to get blessing from the mighty Lord Shiva. People besides fasting they also do penance in order to gain boons in the practice of yoga and meditation in a special way to reach eternity. And on the day of the new moon that is the 14th day of the Phalguna a lot of people gather together in temples and so of the devotees even make sacrifices and go for pilgrimage to offer Bael leaves to lord Shiva. Thus it is said that the chief method of the celebration is done by offering Bael or Bilval Vilvam leaves to Lord Shiva. The tree of the Bael is considered to be sacred by the Hindus and is used for religious rituals. The trifoliate leaves symbolize the trident which Shiva holds on his right hand and is commonly used in this celebration. The white bond-like outer shell and the soft inner part of the fruit is said to resemble a skull and is also commonly used by the Hindus for religious rituals, medicines and even it is also used as food throughout the range of southeast Asia.
The night just before the celebration of this festival is observed throughout India mainly by the religious community of Hindus by taking single meal during the day and the whole night long is kept in vigil waiting for the special occasion day to arrive with the turning of new moon. The night of the 13th day of the Phalgun is considered holy and so keeping the night vigil by offering prayer, meditation and sacrifices is said to be pleasing to Lord Shiva and so almost all family of the Hindu religion observed the day keenly.
On the first morning of Vratha day or the Maha Shivarati day people travel to various sacred rivers and take bath as a way to purify themselves from their sins before meeting God. After which they go all along the hillside where Lord Shiva's temples are located and offer ritual celebration followed by feasting and celebration which makes the festival of Maha Shivarati a whole one.
Here the basic principle that is found underlying the observance of this festival emphasizes the fact that death is sure to follow birth and night is sure to follow day. So whatever that comes in life which maybe good or bad it will always compromised itself and come in turn so we must away except and bear whatever it comes for the good and glory of the Lord the almighty who have created it.