Kolkata, Feb. 15 -- Thousands of devotees on Sunday thronged the historic Bhootnath Temple in Kolkata to perform special rituals and offer prayers on the auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri. A huge crowd was witnessed by devotees at the temple as they offered their puja.

Bhootnath Temple is located near Nimtala Ghat in the capital city of West Bengal and is more than 300 years old. It is famous for its unique ritual, Bhasmarati, in which Aarti is performed using wood from burning pyres, a tradition that has continued since an ascetic near the cremation ground established the temple.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday extended Mahashivratri greetings to citizens, praying for their well-being and prosperity. In an 'X' post...