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As the level of violence in the Kashmir valley has slowly decreased, Kashmiri Hindus are celebrating the festival of Herath, which begins today.
Herath (Mahashivratri) has a very special place in the cultural calendar of Kashmiri Pandits as they celebrate this day dedicated to the God Shiva and his consort the Goddess Parvati.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted Kashmiri Pandits “Herath Mubarak” on the occasion of Maha Shivaratri. “I pray that this auspicious occasion furthers happiness and well-being all across. May everyone’s aspirations be fulfilled in the times to come,” he tweeted.
Herath Mubarak!
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 10, 2021
I pray that this auspicious occasion furthers happiness and well-being all across. May everyone’s aspirations be fulfilled in the times to come.
This festival is celebrated for three days by the Pandits and Hindus who visit the famous Shankaracharya temple in Srinagar on this joyous occasion.
The customary pooja is performed late at night and this has been going on for centuries. However, after the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits from Kashmir, things changed and this day became a reminder to many that they have not been able to celebrate Herath in the valley.
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