With the support of Hon. Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Marine Resources, Ramalingam Chandrasekar, and on the instructions of the Hon. Speaker of Parliament, the Department of Hindu Religious and Cultural Affairs of the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, and the Parliament of Sri Lanka jointly organized this festival.
The Navaratri festival, a devout Hindu religious festival, is celebrated annually in early October. The festival lasts for nine nights, dedicated to various deities, hence the name "Navaratri" meaning "nine nights"
During the first three days, worship is dedicated to Goddess Durga, believed to possess the power to eradicate all evil, impurities, and faults. The next three days honor Goddess Lakshmi, who is regarded as the giver of wealth and prosperity to her devotees.
The final three days are devoted to Goddess Saraswati, the deity of wisdom. On the tenth day, a special worship ceremony known as ‘Vidya Aarambham’ is held, symbolizing the commencement of educational activities.
ccordingly, today at the Parliamentary complex, the Navaratri festival commenced with religious rituals performed by priests. The occasion was also colorful with several blessed dances and musical performances.
Speaking on the occasion, Hon. Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the blessings gained from celebrating this festival would be a blessing to the entire nation. She expressed that these blessings would empower everyone to carry out their work more effectively.
Addressing the event, Hon. Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne said that the power required to free people from wrong ideas is obtained through the worship of these goddesses. The Hon. Speaker further said that people should also imbibe the virtues of these goddesses and that wise people are created with the blessings of these goddesses.
Hindu religious priests, Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees Hemali Weerasekara, Hon. Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, Hon. Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Marine Resources Ramalingam Chandrasekar, Hon. Chief Opposition Whip Gayantha Karunathilaka, Ministers and Deputy Ministers, Members of Parliament, Acting Secretary General of Parliament Mr. Chaminda Kularatne, and a group of parliamentary staff officers were present on this occasion.
