The Secretary of the Maha Shivratree Task Force, Dr Dhanandjay Kawol, had a meeting, yesterday at the New Treasury Building in Port Louis, with representatives of religious organisations, to discuss about the forthcoming Maha Shivratree festival which will be celebrated on 08 March 2024.
The aim was to ensure that Maha Shivratree, which is a major Hindu festival annually observed in honour of the Deity Shiva, is organised in the best possible conditions.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister, Mr Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, came to meet the representatives of the religious organisations.
In a statement after the meeting, Pandit Avinash Rughoobur from Proud Hindu said that the discussions were very cordial adding that further clarifications as regards guidelines for the construction of Kanwars were given. He highlighted that these guidelines and recommendations have been devised to ensure the safety and security of the pilgrims.
Mr Kavish Bhoomah from the Maha Shivratri Seva Samiti, for his part, underlined that just as India issues guidelines for the construction of Kanwars and to ensure the safety of devotees, Mauritius too is following suit. He lauded the Government’s initiative to issue these guidelines for the construction of the Kanwars, highlighting that the well-being of the pilgrims is of utmost importance.
He appealed to the pilgrims to abide by the guidelines for the construction of Kanwars according to the set dimensions and to carry out the pilgrimage in a disciplined and respectful manner.
Maha Shivratree, the ‘Great Night of Shiva’, is a night of special spiritual significance that marks the overcoming of darkness and ignorance in life and the world. It is observed by remembering Shiva and chanting prayers, fasting, and meditating on ethics and virtues such as honesty, non-injury to others, charity, forgiveness, and the discovery of Shiva.
