2005-10-05
On the 5 th of October 2005, on a Wednesday afternoon the Parliamentary Complex had taken a new outlook. The interior and the exterior of the Parliament complex was decorated immensely. The pathways outside the main building had been decorated with rows of Banana Trees and “Thoranam” - a Hindu decoration made out of tender coconut leaves, hung in between. An image of the Hindu Goddess Saraswathy was placed in the middle of the pond which is located in the Parliament premises. All these arrangements and decorations were to observe the Nava Rathri Pooja of 2005 which was to take place, headed by the Speaker Hon. W.J.M Lokubandara.
This event had been initiated by the Speaker himself and a committee headed by the Deputy Chairman of Committees Hon. M. Sachchithananthan and the then Director (Legislative Services) Mr. M.K. Rahulan had organized this event. The staff of the Secretary General of Parliament had joined hands, regardless of any racial or religious differences, to see this event a success.
A Hindu priest had been invited to conduct the Pooja. The Pooja was very impressive and colourful with the orchestra of Nadaswaram and Thavil. All the higher officials including the Secretary General of Parliament and her Deputies, the Speaker, several Ministers and Members of Parliament gracefully took part in the event. This event proved to be a real feast to the eyes and minds of all who were present.
Nava Rathri is one of the significant Hindu festivals. The word Nava Rathri literally means nine nights in Sanskrit; Nava - Nine and Rathri - nights. The festival is normally celebrated for nine nights, every year, during the beginning of October.
Nava Rathri is divided into sets of three days to adore different aspects of the supreme Goddesses. On the first three days the Goddess Durga is worshipped. The Goddess who has the power to destroy all our impurities, vices and defects. During the next three days, Lakshmi - the wealth giver is adored, who is considered to have the power of bestowing on her devotees the inexhaustible wealth. The final set of three days is spent in worshipping Saraswathi - the Goddess of Wisdom. In order to have all-round success in life, we need the blessings of all these three aspects of these three Goddesses; thus, the worship for nine nights. Saraswathy pooja is normally observed on the ninth and the last day of Nava rathri.
As the law making institute of the country, the Parliament also needs to flourish in these aspects. Besides, this special tribute to the Hindu Goddess of wisdom was an apparent demonstration of true democracy, unity and equality within Parliament.
Handbook of Parliament
The System of Elections in Sri Lanka
How Parliament Works
Business of Parliament
Copyright © The Parliament of Sri Lanka.
All Rights Reserved.
Design & Developed by TekGeeks
