PORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD, March 4, 2008: From 1838 to 1917, Indians were brought from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar as indentured laborers to the Caribbean islands. In addition to their work ethic, they brought with them the culture and religious practices of Hinduism with the Ramayana, Siva Puranas and the Bhagvad Gita among the several religious texts found in their “jhaji bundle”. Today’s 300,000 Hindus in Trinidad and Tobago will join the millions of Hindus worldwide worshipping Lord Siva on Siva’s Great Night, Sivaratri, on March 5.
Maha Sivaratri (Great Night of Shiva) is a major festival celebrated every year on the 13th night/14th day in the Krishna Paksha of the month Maagha in the Hindu Calendar. The most significant practices on this day are offerings to Lord Siva, fasting and all night long vigil. During Mahasivaratri, devotees meditate on Siva as the Absolute and on the deeper meanings of Sivalingam worship.