India, Feb. 15 -- The custom is believed to have begun decades ago when an Italian devotee, popularly known as the "Jungle Man," carved an image of Lord Shiva on a rock at the beach. Since then, the site has evolved into a symbolic place of worship during Mahashivratri, attracting spiritual seekers and tourists alike who come together to celebrate faith, culture and community by the sea.

Mahashivratri was celebrated with devotion and enthusiasm at Ozran beach in Vagator, where both locals and foreign visitors gathered to take part in the rituals. The beach has hosted these celebrations for nearly 25 to 30 years, gradually becoming a unique spiritual hotspot in Goa. A significant number of foreign devotees participated in the traditional ...