Sri Lankan PM Mahinda Rajapaksa chose to celebrate Navaratri in the traditional way with chanting of mantras, gettimelam (the traditional drum of southern Bharat), and Bharatnatyam and Carnatic music renderings.
Celebrated #navarathri at temple trees last evening amidst family, friends and colleagues, whilst adhering to the health guidelines. May evil and darkness be defeated and may peace, prosperity and good health bless us all. pic.twitter.com/Qavsl4MEE5
— Mahinda Rajapaksa (@PresRajapaksa) October 21, 2020
While PM Rajapaksa shared pictures of the celebration on his Twitter page that showed him among other things receiving blessings from Hindu poojaris (priests) and his wife Srimati Shiranthi Rajapaksa lighting the traditional lamp, Twitteratis shared a video of the celebration that became an instant hit on social media.
A nine-step golu (doll decoration), a murti of Bhagwan Ganesh, photos of Devis Durga, Saraswati, and Lakshmi can be seen in the video. Also, traditional lamps had been lit in addition to the place being adorned with banana plantains, marigold, jasmine, and other flower decorations. The decorations and celebrations were a sight to behold.
The priests chanted Vedic mantras, young children performed Bharatnatyam and rendered invocation in Carnatic music, and musicians played the gettimelam and nadaswaram (southern Bharat wind instrument). The Rajapaksa couple were also felicitated by the priests. The Sri Lankan PM also sent his wishes in both Sinhalese and Tamil.
The traditional performances were followed up by the PM felicitation school students and distributing certificates as well as blessing them. Family members of the premier were also present on the occasion and the entire atmosphere was festive.
As we come to the end of the 9 day long #Navarathri festival by celebrating #Vijayadashami, I wish all #SriLankans and those celebrating around the globe, a peaceful, prosperous and fruitful year ahead. pic.twitter.com/yoYbtDLoGO
— Mahinda Rajapaksa (@PresRajapaksa) October 25, 2020
As the festival came to a close, the Sri Lankan PM Rajapaksa also sent Vijayadashmi wishes to Hindus in both Sri Lanka and around the world. It was heart-warming to see the Prime Minister of a strategically important neighbouring nation respecting and upholding Hindu traditions.
It must be mentioned here that cultural and Dharmic ties between Bharat and Sri Lanka date back to the times of Bhagwan Sri Ram and this gesture will go a long way in strenghtening the bond between the two nations.
(Featured Image Source: Twitter Page of PM Rajapaksa)
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