Shivratri on 23rd February

Maha Shivratri is the longest and darkest night of the month. It is the night on which Shivji and Parvati tied the knot and became 'One'. Hence it is symbolic of the meeting of the Soul with the Almighty.

Shivratri is also called Shiv Jayanti which means: The Birth night of God'

Darkness (Shivratri) or you may call it a 'Vast Emptiness' is all pervasive, present everywhere, like God.

Creation takes birth in this 'Vast Emptiness'

Darkness and Light is worshipped as creation and destruction.

Shivji is also called 'Rudra' which means 'The one who destroys evil and sorrow.

Shivji is called Pashupati: The Lord of all animals and Living Beings.

Parvati had to perform a lot of penance in order to wed Shivji.

Shivji is called Ardhnarishwara.
Read more,
Click:
http://www.dalsabzi.com/Language_Festivals/shivratri.htm