Kurukkal Shanmugasharma and the Sri Lanka Hindu representatives of the Kovil invited the Consulate General to join in the celebration with a special pooja on the occasion of the Maha Shivarathri. The celebration was limited to a few devotees.

Many cultural pursuits and activities are usually performed in acknowledgment of Maha Shivarathri, known as the night of God Shiva’s dance. Hindu devotees were compelled to limit those cultural pursuits this year and celebrate the event adhering to health guidelines due to the present pandemic.

Consul General Madurika Joseph Weninger in her brief address appreciated that it is an opportunity for all communities to renew ties of friendship and unity while celebrating cultural differences in a spirit of harmony and fellowship.

She concluded her address with His Excellency the President’s message: “Sri Lankan Hindus and their brethren across the globe since ancient times pay obeisance to Lord Shiva on this Maha Shivarathri, with utmost reverence and expectation of dispelling the darkness of ignorance and acquiring wisdom. And added that ‘’….May the blessings of Lord Shiva bestow upon us to achieve our objectives of establishing peace, reconciliation and happiness in the society,”

The Consulate General’s participation in the celebrations provided an impetus in further strengthening relations with the Sri Lankan community living in the Federal State of Saarland.