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.