President Mahinda Rajapaksa issuing a message to mark the Maha Siva Rathri said we now have the conditions of peace throughout the land to freely celebrate this important festival in true spirit of unity and understanding.
Full Text of the message:
I am pleased to extend my warm greetings to all Sri Lankan Hindus on this festival of Maha Siva Rathri , celebrated in honour of Lord Shiva.
The Hindus of Sri Lanka join their fellow worshipers the world over on this day, believed to be when he married Parvathi and also performed the dance of Shiva that marks primordial creation and preservation. The celebrations on this sacred day include fasting and night-long vigils at temples, making special offerings to Lord Shiva and chanting hymns in his honour.
The lighting of lamps which is an important aspect of this festival symbolizes the constant efforts by humans to dispel the darkness of ignorance with the light of knowledge, as well as achieve unity and harmony, both in their lives and society.
The Hindus of Sri Lanka have lived for centuries in brotherhood and harmony with the followers of other religions in our society. We now have the conditions of peace throughout the land to freely celebrate this important festival in true spirit of unity and understanding.
May the prayers on Maha Siva Rathri strengthen their commitment to peace and unity among all communities in our Motherland.
I wish all Sri Lankan Hindus the Blessing of Maha Siva Rathri to realize their aspirations for a better today.
Courtesy: www.priu.gov.lk
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