Hindus celebrate Maha Shivratri
HINDUS around Fiji celebrated Maha Shivratri on Friday and yesterday, offering prayers to Lord Shiva.
Devotees usually have a whole day fast before worship services in the evening.
Hundreds of devotees prayed to Lord Shiva at the Sri Raj Maha Mariamman Temple in Howell Rd, Suva on Friday night.
Maha Shivaratri is observed by remembering Lord Shiva, chanting his name, prayers, fasting, and meditating on ethics and virtues such as self-restraint, honesty, non-injury to others and forgiveness.
Minister for MultiEthnic Affairs & Sugar Charan Jeath Singh said Fiji is a multicultural society and festivals like Maha Shivratri provide an opportunity to bring people together with different ethnic backgrounds, religions, and traditions to provide a platform to share knowledge and culture.
“Guided by the principles and values of Lord Shiva, I am committed to fostering inclusivity, understanding, and harmony among all communities in Fiji,” he said.
“Let us use this occasion to embrace diversity, deepen our connections, and build a more united and cohesive society.”
Ramayan mandalis and various Hindu cultural groups around Fiji also organised prayers to mark Maha Shivratri.
One prominent legend recounts the divine marriage of Lord Shiva with Parvati, his consort, on this auspicious day.
It is believed that on the night of Mahashivratri, Shiva performed the cosmic dance of tandava, symbolising the rhythmic creation, preservation, and destruction of the universe.
Let us use this occasion to embrace diversity, deepen our connections, and build a more united and cohesive society
– Charan Jeath Singh