Hindus around the country celebrated Maha Shivratri yesterday.

Celebrations took place at various temples around the country and many celebrated  in their homes

Maha Shivaratri means the ‘Great Night of Lord Shiva’.

It is a major festival in Hinduism. This festival is solemn and marks “overcoming darkness and ignorance” in the world.

It is observed by remembering Shiva and chanting prayers, fasting, and meditating on ethics and virtues such as self-restraint, honesty, non-injury to others, forgiveness, and the discovery of Shiva.

Medical student at the Fiji National University Anjeleen Lata, 20, of Suva, celebrated Maha Shivratri at the Shiv Temple in Samabula, Suva.

She said that the Maha Shivratri celebration marked the day Lord Shiva married Mata Parvaati.

“I believe that during this time of prayer, if we wish anything from the heart, it comes true,” Ms Lata said.

Her wish was to complete her studies with good grades.

Shivanjali, 22, of Koroviri, Labasa, also an FNU medical student, said that when women performed the prayers as it was believed that they get the desired future husband.

But for her, the focus is on her studies.

FNU College of Agriculture student Rajnesh Sahai, of Suva, said that devotees came from everywhere to mark the special day of Lord Shiva.

“I came to the temple to ask god for forgiveness and for my future well-being,” Mr Sahai said.

Shalwyn Prasad, a devotee, said that the day is observed by remembering Shiva and chanting prayers, fasting, and meditating on ethics and virtues such as self-restraint, honesty and forgiveness.

Edited by George Kulamaiwasa

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