Women’s Day and Mahashivaratri occurring together can be seen as an interesting juxtaposition of celebrations, each carrying its significance.
International Women’s Day: Celebrated globally on March 8th, International Women’s Day is a day dedicated to honouring the achievements of women, promoting gender equality, and raising awareness about women’s rights issues. It’s a day to celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women around the world. It also serves as a call to action for accelerating gender parity.
Mahashivaratri: This is a Hindu festival celebrated in honour of Lord Shiva. It falls on the 13th night and 14th day of the lunar month of Phalguna or Maagh (February or March). Devotees observe fasting and perform rituals like staying awake all night, meditating, chanting prayers, and offering prayers to Lord Shiva. It is believed that observing Mahashivaratri with devotion and sincerity can wash away sins and lead to the attainment of moksha (liberation).
The significance of these two celebrations occurring together can be interpreted in various ways:
Shakti and Shiva: In Hindu mythology, there is a concept of divine feminine energy, known as Shakti, and divine masculine energy, represented by Lord Shiva. Shakti is considered the consort of Shiva and is often worshipped as Goddess Parvati, Durga, Kali, etc. Mahashivaratri celebrates Lord Shiva, while Women’s Day can be seen as a celebration of the divine feminine energy, highlighting the importance of Shakti.
Union of Masculine and Feminine Energies: Mahashivaratri symbolizes the union of Shiva and Shakti, representing the cosmic balance between masculine and feminine energies. Women’s Day, on the other hand, celebrates the achievements and contributions of women, recognizing the strength and power of the feminine. Together, these celebrations signify the harmony and balance between masculine and feminine principles in Hindu philosophy.
Empowerment and Balance: International Women’s Day celebrates the achievements and rights of women, highlighting their empowerment and importance in society. On the other hand, Mahashivaratri celebrates the divine masculine energy represented by Lord Shiva. Together, they symbolize the importance of balance and harmony between masculine and feminine energies in the world.
Spiritual and Social Dimensions: While Mahashivaratri has strong spiritual and religious significance, International Women’s Day addresses social and gender equality issues. The combination of these two events can remind us of the interconnectedness of spiritual and social dimensions in our lives, emphasizing the importance of both personal growth and societal progress.
Spiritual Awakening and Empowerment: Mahashivaratri is believed to be a powerful night for spiritual awakening and transformation. By observing rituals such as fasting, meditation, and worship, devotees seek blessings for inner strength and enlightenment. Women’s Day, on the other hand, celebrates the empowerment and achievements of women in various spheres of life. The convergence of these two celebrations can inspire individuals, especially women, to seek spiritual growth and empowerment in their lives.
Respect and Reverence: Both Mahashivaratri and Women’s Day emphasize the importance of respect and reverence. Mahashivaratri is a day to pay homage to Lord Shiva and seek his blessings, while Women’s Day is a day to honour and respect women for their contributions and achievements. Together, these celebrations promote values of respect, gratitude, and reverence towards both the divine and the feminine aspects of existence.
Inner and Outer Transformations: Mahashivaratri is often associated with inner transformation, purification, and spiritual awakening, while International Women’s Day focuses on societal transformations, gender equality, and women’s empowerment. Celebrating these two events together can inspire individuals to work towards both inner and outer transformations for a better world.
Overall, the convergence of International Women’s Day and Mahashivaratri offers an opportunity for reflection, celebration, and action towards creating a more balanced, equitableand harmonious society. It provides an opportunity for individuals to reflect on the divine principles of Shiva and Shakti and to recognize and appreciate the role of women in society and spirituality.
Prof. Satya Sidhartha Panda
Founder
The Upskillingpanda
Skill Enabler | Career Catalyst I Human Architect I Author
Bengaluru, India
