Make Maha Shivarathri day a mercantile holiday - ACHC
The All Ceylon Hindu Congress issuing a statement on Maha Shivarathri
celebrations said, the Maha Shivarathri is the most important religious
day in the calendar of the Hindus and Hindu temples.
The government declared this day Public and Bank Holiday but not a
Mercantile Holiday inspite of our repeated requests.
We, as the Federation of Hindu Religious Associations and Trustees of
Hindu Temples of this country appeal, once again to the government that
the Maha Shivarathri day be declared a Mercantile Holiday.
"However, we kindly request the Labour Ministry and all mercantile
establishments to allow Hindus to enable them to observe "Fast and keep
Vigil" throughout the day and night on this day.
"The All Ceylon Hindu Congress has also made an appeal to the
government to ensure free movement of the devotees in the areas
surrounding Sivan Temples and also to ensure adequate transport
facilities by providing extra buses for the convenience of the devotees
and in particular to those who will be traveling to Thiruketheeswaram
Temple in Mannar from Colombo, Jaffna, Vavuniya, Batticaloa and
Upcountry and also to the other Sivan Temples in the Country.
"The Indian government has undertaken the rehabilitation of
Thiruketheeswaram Temple with Rs.360 m. The All Ceylon Hindu Congress on
behalf of all Hindus of this country wish to thank the Indian government
once again for their generous gesture.
Further, the All Ceylon Hindu Congress requires that all Hindus and
Hindu Temples should observe Shivarathri Vigil by conducting Poojas and
praying to Lord Shiva and not to participate in any unnecessary
luxurious ceremony. |
