Sri Lanka Observes Maha Shivratri – Celebrating the “Great Night of Shiva”

This month, Hindu devotees across Sri Lanka celebrated Maha Shivratri known as the “Great Night of Shiva”. Held in honour of Lord Shiva, this festival takes place on the 13th night and 14th day of the Hindu calendar’s last month which is called “Falgun”; in the Western calendar, this day fell on 8th March 2024. As is customary, Hindus engaged in numerous rituals and traditions at this time from fasting and offering prayers to bathing the sacred Shiva Linga in the temples with water as well as milk and honey. Such acts of devotion to Lord Shiva are said to help to free one from the sins of the past.

Fasting, lighting oil lamps, burning incense sticks and conducting processions featuring chariots carrying statues Lord Shiva were some of the other customs observed on Maha Shivratri. The festival day is a public holiday and this year, it fell on a Friday that meant a long weekend as well. Locals and tourists took this opportunity to enjoy an extended holiday across the island including at Knuckles hotels and luxury camping options at the likes of Wild Glamping Knuckles amidst nature’s beauty.