Greater Noida West : The sacred festival of Mahashivratri was celebrated with deep devotion and enthusiasm this year in Greater Noida West societies and residential communities, where devotees offered prayers, performed traditional rituals and observed fasts dedicated to Lord Shiva. Residents from societies across the region gathered for early morning puja, chanting mantras and performing jalabhishek, turning neighbourhood temples and common spaces into temporary spiritual hubs.
Devotion in housing societies
In gated communities and residential complexes across Greater Noida West, families and groups of neighbours organised collective worship on the morning of Mahashivratri. Many residents observed a full-day fast that culminated in parana (breaking of the fast) the next morning, traditionally done with water and prescribed fasting grains. Community members brought offerings such as bel patra, milk and flowers to their local temple corners and mandaps, creating a festive yet reverent environment. The spirit of “Har Har Mahadev” resonated through apartment corridors, cluster lawns and society temples as neighbours greeted each other with blessings and sweets.
Post-festival health incident in two societies
However, the festive mood was tempered by an unexpected health issue in two major residential societies in Greater Noida West, the morning after Mahashivratri. More than 40 residents from Supertech Eco Village 3 and Himalaya Pride Society fell ill after consuming food made from buckwheat flour (kuttu ka atta), a traditional ingredient used for breaking the Mahashivratri fast. Symptoms like vomiting, fever and discomfort began shortly after many people ate kuttu dishes, prompting family members to rush them to private hospitals in Greater Noida for treatment. Initial reports suggest food poisoning from contaminated or spoiled kuttu flour as a possible cause, and local police and health authorities are investigating the incident to trace the source of the affected flour and confirm the cause.
Several of the affected were hospitalised briefly for observation and supportive care. Residents from the societies expressed concern as the incident disrupted post-festival celebrations, especially given that kuttu is widely used for breaking fasts during Mahashivratri.
Community and safety response
Local civic groups and resident welfare associations have called for greater awareness about choosing safe food products for fasting and post-fast meals, particularly in high-density housing clusters. Some society volunteers offered assistance to affected families and coordinated with local clinics to check on their recovery.
While Greater Noida West residents largely reported peaceful observance and collective celebration of the Mahashivratri rituals, the food-related health issue has emerged as a cautionary post-festival concern, prompting calls for better food safety checks in community kitchens and among packaged food suppliers.