Maha Shivaratri Celebrations in Sri Lanka – A Night of Festivity

Hindu’s worldwide celebrate the Maha Shivaratri festival, which literally translates into the ‘Great Night of Shiva’, and is held in honour of Lord Shiva. This year, Maha Shivarathri fell on Friday, the 24th of February. Hindus in Sri Lanka, India and Hindu diaspora living all over the world celebrated this day (and night) with great reverence.

In Sri Lanka, the Hindus, who fall under the Tamil ethnic category, spend the day fasting and praying. All those who can get away from other daily commitments head to the temples in order to join in the flurry of activity there and the special ‘pooja’ that takes place in honour of the god. At night, there are several festive shows and events held at the temples for devotees to participate in. If you’re visiting the island around this period and are interested in witnessing the festival in full swing, check out cultural Sri Lanka tours offered by travel agents such as Sri Lanka Tailor-made. They may have or create a package that’s suitable for you.