Kohima, February 24 (MExN): Governor of Nagaland & Arunachal Pradesh, PB Acharya has extended greetings to all on the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivaratri celebrated on February 24.
Maha Shivaratri, which means ‘the Great Night of Shiva’, is celebrated annually in honour of the God Shiva, said a press release from PRO to the Governor. “It is a major festival in Hinduism, but one that is solemn and marks a remembrance of ‘overcoming darkness and ignorance’ in life and the world. It is observed by remembering Shiva and chanting prayers, fasting, doing Yoga and meditating on ethics and virtues such as self-restraint, honesty, no injury to others, forgiveness and the discovery of Shiva,” it added.
The ardent devotees of Lord Shiva keep awake all night for the festival, the release recounted. Hundreds of lakhs of Hindus visit Lord Shiva temples or go on pilgrimage to Jyotirlingams. Unlike most Hindu festivals which are celebrated during the day, the Maha Shivaratri is celebrated at night.
Furthermore, unlike other festivals which include expression of cultural revelry, the Maha Shivaratri is a solemn event notable for its introspective focus, fasting, participation and meditation on Lord Shiva, self study, social harmony, it was added.
The Governor also extended greetings to the Angami community on the occasion of Sekrenyi, the festival of purification, which normally falls on the 25th day of the Angami month of ‘Kezei’. Acharya mentioned that the festival is an occasion to showcase the culture and traditions that have been preserved since “time immemorial.”
The occasion reminds afresh the customary practices of “our” forefathers towards purification of oneself, he added. The Governor hoped that the festival will strengthen the bond of love and unity among the Angami community in particular and Nagas in general.
On the occasion of both Maha Shivaratri and Sekrenyi festival, Acharya conveyed his best wishes and hoped that the Almighty God will continue to bestow abundant blessings upon the people of the State and country as well.
