COLOMBO (News 1st) – Hindu devotees around the world celebrate the great festival of Maha Sivarathri today(March 04).

The Maha Sivarathri festival, also popularly known as ‘Sivrathri’ or ‘Great Night of Shiva’, marks the convergence of Shiva and Shakti.

The festival is principally celebrated by offerings of Bael leaves to Shiva, all day fasting and an all-night vigil.

Devotees of Lord Shiva, and Hindus in general, observe a fast, only drinking milk and eating fruit. They perform an elaborate pooja, or ritual of worship to Lord Shiva with chants and hymns dedicated to him.

President Maithripala Sirisena extended his wishes to all the Hindu devotees across the country.

“I offer my best wishes to the Hindu community on this Maha Sivarathri and pray that the lighting of a lamp on this day would enlighten and awaken the spiritual lives of the people the world over.”

He added that the people have a tendency to lean towards spiritual reconciliation as a result of the mental depression experienced in their day today lives.

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe in his message to Hindu devotees noted “It is with immense pleasure I convey best wishes on everyone following Hinduism for blissful celebrations and peace achieved through spiritual wellbeing”

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