Maha Shivaratri, which means “the great night of Shiva”, is one of the most important and sacred festivals in Hinduism. It is celebrated on the 14th night of the dark fortnight of the month of Phalguna, which usually falls in February or March. The festival commemorates the night when Lord Shiva, the supreme deity of Hinduism, performed the cosmic dance of creation, preservation, and destruction, and also the night when he married Goddess Parvati, his consort.
The festival is observed by devotees of Shiva, who fast, pray, chant, and meditate throughout the night, seeking his blessings for spiritual growth, liberation, and well-being. The festival is also a celebration of the diversity and unity of Hinduism, as Shiva is worshipped in various forms and names, such as Nataraja, the lord of dance, Mahakala, the lord of time, and Neelkantha, the lord of poison.
The highlights and features of the Cairo celebration
The Cairo celebration of Maha Shivaratri was a rare and remarkable event, as it was the first time that such a festival was held in Egypt, a predominantly Muslim country. The event was attended by more than 300 people, including Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Jews, Buddhists, and others, who came to experience and appreciate the rich and diverse culture and spirituality of Hinduism.
The event featured several highlights and features, such as:
- A keynote speech by Dr. Mohamed ElBaradei, the former director of the International Atomic Energy Agency and the Nobel Peace Prize laureate, who spoke about the need for interfaith dialogue and cooperation, and the common values and goals of humanity.
- A cultural program by the GOD volunteers, who performed various songs, dances, and skits, depicting the stories and legends of Shiva and Parvati, and the message of love, devotion, and harmony.
- A puja ceremony, led by Swami Mukundananda, the founder of GOD and a renowned spiritual teacher, who explained the meaning and significance of the rituals and offerings, and guided the participants in chanting and meditating on the name of Shiva.
- A prasadam distribution, where the participants received the blessed food and water that were offered to Shiva during the puja, as a symbol of his grace and generosity.
The feedback and response of the participants
The Cairo celebration of Maha Shivaratri was a huge success, as it received positive feedback and response from the participants, who expressed their gratitude and appreciation for the organizers and the volunteers. Some of the comments and testimonials from the participants were:
- “I am so happy and honored to be part of this event. It was a wonderful and enlightening experience. I learned a lot about Hinduism and Shiva, and I felt a connection with the divine. I thank GOD for bringing this event to Cairo, and I hope to see more of such events in the future.” – Ahmed, a Muslim participant.
- “I was amazed and impressed by the diversity and unity of the event. It was a beautiful and inspiring sight to see people of different faiths and backgrounds coming together to celebrate and worship Shiva. I think this event is a great example of how we can coexist and respect each other’s beliefs and cultures.” – Sarah, a Christian participant.
- “I am very proud and happy to be a Hindu and to celebrate Maha Shivaratri in Cairo. It was a rare and special opportunity to share and showcase the richness and diversity of Hinduism and Shiva. I thank GOD for organizing this event, and I thank the people of Cairo for their hospitality and openness.” – Ravi, a Hindu participant.
