New Delhi, Feb 15 (NationPress) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is set to join the 33rd Mahashivratri festivities at the Isha Yoga Centre in Tamil Nadu this Sunday.

In a recent update on X, Singh expressed, "On the sacred occasion of Maha Shivratri, I offer my warm regards to all. I am looking forward to being at the Isha Yoga Centre in Coimbatore for the ‘Maha Shivratri’ celebrations today."

As per the official itinerary, Singh is scheduled to land in Coimbatore at 4:15 p.m. He will then take a private helicopter at 4:25 p.m. to the Isha Yoga Centre to participate in the main event.

He is anticipated to engage in the evening rituals, including special poojas and musical performances that traditionally initiate the all-night vigil associated with Mahashivaratri.

Given the expected large turnout, comprehensive security measures have been implemented throughout Coimbatore district. Around 7,000 police personnel have been assigned to manage crowd control, oversee traffic, and ensure the safety of attendees and dignitaries.

Security protocols have been heightened, and additional surveillance has been established at key access points around the venue.

The authorities have also arranged special facilities to accommodate the expected influx of pilgrims, including streamlined entry routes, barricading systems, and emergency response teams positioned at critical locations.

After attending the celebrations, the Defence Minister will leave Coimbatore on Monday (February 16), reaching Coimbatore Airport at 10:35 a.m. before departing for New Delhi at 10:45 a.m.

This annual event, organized by spiritual leader Sadhguru, ranks among the most viewed spiritual gatherings worldwide. Alongside the Defence Minister, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs L. Murugan, and other distinguished guests are also expected to be present, as noted in an official statement.

The night-long festivities will begin with the ‘Pancha Bhuta Kriya’ at the Dhyanalinga, a ritual that pays homage to the five elements: earth, water, fire, air, and space. This will be followed by the Linga Bhairavi Maha Yatra, a grand procession honoring the divine feminine. The spiritual agenda will be enriched by devotion, music, and meditation sessions led by Sadhguru.

Chief Minister Fadnavis, Union Minister L. Murugan, and other notable figures are also set to attend.

The towering Adiyogi statue, located at the base of the Velliangiri Mountains, serves as the centerpiece of the celebrations and garners international attention annually.

The Mahashivratri event at the Isha Yoga Centre will be broadcast live on over 100 television networks and digital platforms in 24 Indian and international languages, with the 2026 edition expected to reach over 140 million viewers globally.

The participation of the Defence Minister and other dignitaries highlights the increasing recognition of Mahashivratri as a significant spiritual and cultural event of national importance.

Devotees from across India and beyond are anticipated to converge for this sacred night, celebrating Lord Shiva through devotion, meditation, and cultural performances.