Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar SC is extending heartfelt greetings to the Hindu community on the occasion of Maha Shivratri 2026, wishing devotees a safe, prayerful, and spiritually fulfilling observance.
In her message, the Prime Minister described Maha Shivratri as one of the most sacred nights in the Hindu calendar, marked by fasting, meditation, offerings and the chanting of mantras in honour of Lord Shiva. She noted that from dusk to dawn, temples and homes across the country will be illuminated with devotion as families gather in worship and quiet reflection.
Mrs. Persad-Bissessar said the observance is rooted in renewal, reminding citizens that true growth begins with the courage to remove anger, resentment, dishonesty and fear, and to embrace discipline, compassion and truth.
She added that this message resonates beyond individual lives, especially as the nation continues to confront crime, violence and social instability. The Prime Minister emphasised that meaningful transformation must begin within homes and communities, strengthened by shared values and integrity.
Highlighting Trinidad and Tobago’s rich diversity, she said the peaceful observance of Maha Shivratri reflects the mutual respect and unity that define the nation.
The Prime Minister also confirmed that instructions have been issued to ensure appropriate security measures are in place nationwide, so devotees can worship in safety and peace.
She concluded by wishing all observing families a meaningful and uplifting Maha Shivratri, and invoked blessings of peace, wisdom, strength and unity for the nation.
* See Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar’s message below:
On this sacred occasion of Maha Shivratri, I extend heartfelt greetings to the Hindu community and warm wishes for a safe, prayerful, and spiritually fulfilling observance.
Maha Shivratri is one of the most cherished nights in the Hindu calendar. From dusk until dawn, devotees will fast, pray, meditate, offer sacred items, and chant mantras in honour of Lord Shiva.
Across our communities, temples and homes will glow with devotion as families gather in humility and faith, keeping vigil in quiet reflection and worship.
At its core, Maha Shivratri is about renewal. Lord Shiva teaches us that before creation can occur, there must be the courage to remove what is harmful and unworthy.
It is a reminder that growth begins when we let go of anger, resentment, dishonesty, and fear, and choose discipline, compassion, and truth.
That message speaks not only to individual lives, but to our wider society. At a time when our country continues to confront crime, violence, and social instability, real transformation cannot come from institutions alone.
It begins within our homes, our communities, and our consciences. When we strengthen our values, respect one another, and act with integrity, we strengthen the nation itself.
Maha Shivratri also reminds us of the privilege of living in a land as richly diverse as ours. Ours is a society where many faiths, cultures, and traditions flourish side by side, each strengthening the other.
The peaceful observance of this holy occasion reflects the mutual respect, understanding, and shared humanity that define our people. This harmony is one of our greatest blessings, and it is a legacy we must continue to nurture and protect.
As Prime Minister, I have issued the relevant instructions to ensure that appropriate security measures are in place nationwide, enabling devotees to worship in safety, peace, and dignity.
The right to practise one’s faith freely and without fear is fundamental, and every necessary measure has been taken to safeguard this sacred observance.
As devotees maintain vigil in prayer and reflection, may we also pray for continued healing and renewal across our land.
May we find the strength to remove what weakens us, the courage to confront what threatens us, and the wisdom to build a future rooted in justice, opportunity, and hope.
To everyone and every family observing this holy occasion, I wish you a meaningful and uplifting Maha Shivratri.
May Lord Shiva bless your homes with peace, guide our nation with wisdom, and grant us all strength and unity.
Om Namah Shivaya.