MIRPURKHAS: Members of the minority Hindu community, Hindu Panchayts Mirpurkhas in the Mirpurkhas Tharparkar and Hyderabad, along with others around the globe, celebrated the annual festival of Maha Shivratri on Wednesday. Maha Shivaratri is an important festival in the Hindu faith and is celebrated annually with devotion and religious enthusiasm in honor of the Lord Shiva, deities of the Hindu Trinity. The literal meaning of Shivaratri is “The Great Night of Lord Shiva”. Religious scholars in their sermons on the occasion urged the community to follow the message of peace and love. Religious songs (bhajans) were also sung on the occasion. Special prayers were held for the solidarity and integrity of the country and prosperity of the community. Langar (free food) was also distributed among the devotees. The temples of the Hindu community were decorated with flowers, buntings and colorful balloons. A lot of devotees attended the celebrations which will continue for another two days. People belonging to the Hindu community at the temple prayed for peace in the country and for people of religious beliefs to live in harmony. Many also observe a fast on this day. They eat fruit, Kheer of Sabudana, Even Ramdana and Halwa of Kattu is consumed. On this occasion, Hindu Panchats Welfare foundation Pakistan President, Lachman Das Perwani, stated that on Maha Shivaratri, worshippers also apply holy ash to their foreheads – just like the God Shiva – and wear Rudraksha garlands.