Dissanayake extends Mahashivratri greetings

Sri Lanka President Anura  Dissanayake on Sunday extended greetings to the people on the occasion of Mahashivratri, saying such observances help foster harmony and compassion in society. “With the hope that the darkness of ignorance be dispelled and the light of wisdom be kindled, the sacred festival of Maha Shivratri, devoutly observed by Hindus around the world, falls today,” the president said in a message.

Calling Maha Shivratri an “auspicious occasion” on which Hindu devotees offer worship and reverence to Lord Shiva, he said it commemorates the “divine union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, as well as the moment when Lord Shiva performs his celestial dance, the Tandava”. Thereby, it symbolises the triumph over “darkness of ignorance” in the world and in human life, he added. “I firmly believe that such religious and cultural observances are of great importance in building a disciplined and compassionate society that respects all human bonds,” Dissanayake said.