India, Feb. 16 -- Sri Lanka President Anura Dissanayake on Sunday extended greetings to the people on the occasion of Mahashivratri, saying such observances help foster harmony and compassion in society. "With the hope that the darkness of ignorance be dispelled and the light of wisdom be kindled, the sacred festival of Maha Shivratri, devoutly observed by Hindus around the world, falls today," the president said in a message.

Calling Maha Shivratri an "auspicious occasion" on which Hindu devotees offer worship and reverence to Lord Shiva, he said it commemorates the "divine union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, as well as the moment when Lord Shiva performs his celestial dance, the Tandava". Thereby, it symbolises the triumph over "d...