Popularly known as Herath in Kashmir, the Mahashivratri festival was celebrated with religious fervour across the Valley on Sunday, as Kashmiri Pandits visited temples to offer ritual specific prayers on this occasion.
The largest gathering was seen at Shankaracharya Temple, which overlooks the Dal Lake. Multi-coloured lights illuminated the temple and the air resonated with chants of the devotees. A large number of people, including tourists, paid obeisance to Lord Shiva, offering flowers and fruits to the deity and seeking his blessings. The occasion was also observed at other temples throughout the Kashmir valley in almost every district.
Herath, which means the “night of Hara” (Lord Shiva), is an important festival for the Kashmiri Pandit community. It is observed on the 13th day of the dark fortnight of the lunar month of Phalguna, and marks the divine wedding of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. For the community, this festival assumes special importance as they would celebrate it for over a week with different rituals associated with it.
An essential ritual of Herath involves soaking walnuts in clay vessels, symbolising fertility, prosperity and divine blessings. “This festival is celebrated with fervour in Bihar and other places. We feel blessed to be here on the occasion,” said Pooja, a tourist from Bihar. Another tourist, Upesh, said they had planned their trip to Kashmir specifically for the festival. “We feel blessed to get a 'darshan' here today,” he added.
Herath, was also celebrated with deep religious fervour and enthusiasm at the revered Kheer Bhawani Temple in the Tullamula area of Ganderbal district. Kashmiri Pandits and devotees from different parts of the country thronged the temple to pay obeisance and offer special prayers on the auspicious occasion. The shrine witnessed a steady flow of worshippers throughout the day, with devotees participating in rituals and seeking blessings.
Devotees said Maha Shivratri was one of the most significant festivals for the Kashmiri Pandit community and is traditionally observed over three days. On the first day, special 'pujas' are performed in temples, particularly at Shiva shrines. The second day reflects the Valley’s long-standing tradition of communal harmony, as members of the Muslim community visit the homes of Kashmiri Pandits to convey greetings and good wishes.
The district administration had made elaborate arrangements to ensure smooth conduct of the festival. Security was strengthened around the shrine, while facilities, including drinking water, electricity, sanitation and medical assistance, were put in place for the convenience of devotees.
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