SRINAGAR: Maha Shivratri, observed on February 26 this year, was celebrated with devotion across India, with Kashmiri Pandits marking the festival in their unique way as ‘Herath’. This distinct tradition, rooted in Kashmir’s Shaivite heritage, sees Pandits observe the festival a day before the rest of the country, with rituals that blend spirituality with cultural customs.
Herath, derived from ‘Har Ratri’, is deeply significant to Kashmiri Pandits. Unlike the rest of India, where Maha Shivratri is largely associated with the divine wedding of Shiva and Parvati, the Kashmiri tradition centres on the belief that Shiva manifested as a blazing column of light (jwal-linga) on this night.
This year, Kashmiri Pandits in the Valley and across India celebrated Herath with traditional fervour. However, many in the community note that the festival has lost some of its vibrancy in Kashmir since the mass migration of Pandits in the 1990s. Sanjay Tickoo, president of the Kashmiri Pandit Sangarsh Samiti, recalled that before the migration, Herath was a cultural and communal festival where Hindus and Muslims exchanged greetings. “Now, the celebrations are subdued. While those in Jammu observe it on a larger scale, many outside Jammu and Kashmir celebrate it privately at home,” he said.
To facilitate celebrations, the Jammu and Kashmir government granted four days of special leave to Kashmiri Pandit employees and declared Herath a public holiday. In Jammu, Pandits observed the festival communally, while those in other states marked it within their homes.
Traditional Herath rituals include a day-long fast observed by the head of the family, followed by a special meal featuring mutton, fish, cheese, and vegetables. A notable custom involves soaking walnuts in water-filled pots, which are later distributed as prasad. Chunni Lal Bhat, president of the Hindu Welfare Society of non-migrant Kashmiri Pandits, said that the festival spans four days, with prayers primarily held at home rather than in temples. However, some devotees visit the Shankaracharya Temple in Srinagar or the Kheer Bhawani Temple in Ganderbal.
A long-standing belief among Kashmiri Pandits is that Herath brings rainfall to the Valley. “Rainfall is seen as an auspicious sign, and this year too, the heavens have blessed us,” said Mohit Bhan, a young Kashmiri Pandit and political leader, who shared images of festive dishes on social media.
While non-vegetarian feasts are a defining aspect of Herath, some Kashmiri Pandits who migrated from Kashmir in the 1990s have chosen to adopt vegetarian observances. “Many felt that our displacement was due to a departure from religious traditions, so they stopped cooking non-vegetarian food during Herath,” said activist Sandeep Mawa.
The festival also saw political and religious leaders extending their greetings to Kashmiri Pandits. Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on X, “Herath Poshte! This festival is closely associated with the vibrant culture of our Kashmiri Pandit sisters and brothers. On this auspicious occasion, I wish for harmony, good health, and prosperity for everyone.”
Separatist leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq also extended greetings, calling for the restoration of Kashmir’s “centuries-old bond of love and communal harmony.” Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah conveyed his wishes for peace and prosperity on Maha Shivratri.
In Srinagar, local Hindus and visiting tourists gathered at the historic Shankaracharya Temple atop the Zabarwan hills to offer prayers, while devotees were also seen at the Martand Sun Temple in Anantnag.
