This post was written by Hatchet reporter Jennifer Krems.

Once the sun has set, “Om Namah Shivaya” resonates through the Marvin Center Grand Ballroom.

Meaning “salutations to Lord Shiva,” the repeated phrase is a time-honored tradition, a vocal part of the celebrations surrounding Shivaratri, meaning “the night of Shiva.” Shivaratri is a Hindu holiday associated with reflection and the celebration of the god Shiva.

Members of Satyam, a Hindu student organization, have issued a “Satyam Challenge” in anticipation of their nighttime celebration Sunday.

To focus on spiritual purity, Divya Venkat, the Satyam program director, is fasting for one day and Shivam Gosai, also a Satyam program director, is abstaining from Facebook for a week.

Gosai explained the fast is a way for participants to consciously withdraw from earthly indulgences and “sensual pleasures.” Fasting does not only refer to food, but abstinence from “sense objects of all kinds” in an attempt to stop human indulgences.

Chanting is also an integral part of the celebrations.

“The sanskrit word for fasting, ‘Upavasa,’ comes from ‘upa’ meaning ‘near’ and ‘vas’ meaning to ‘live.’ Thus, fasting reminds us to “sit near” the Lord mentally,” Gosai said.

Finally, the celebration occurs at night, to symbolize “ignorance from our true nature,” Gosai added.

The Hindu religion says that at night, people are present only in the dream world, a time when they are removed a step from reality. Remaining awake on Shivratri is an attempt to wake up from that perceived state of ignorance and instead keep the mind aware through prayer.

The annual celebration is a night when Satyam members invite students of all religions to participate in a “Puja,” a free Indian dinner in order to learn more about the holiday from the organizations members.

Shivaratri will be celebrated from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Sunday in the Marvin Center Grand Ballroom.