Herath celebrated with devotion, cultural warmth

Srinagar, Feb 15: Srinagar and other parts of Kashmir witnessed a vibrant display of faith and tradition on Sunday as Kashmiri Pandits celebrated Herath, known elsewhere in the country as Mahashivratri, with religious fervour and social warmth.

Unlike the previous nightís rituals that unfolded quietly within homes, Sunday marked the public expression of the festival, with temples abuzz and devotees thronging major temples under clear skies.

The hilltop Shankaracharya Temple, overlooking Dal Lake, emerged as the focal point of celebrations in Srinagar.

From early morning, long queues of devotees were seen offering prayers and performing rituals at the ancient shrine.

Devotees said the sunny weather added to the festive mood, drawing not only local Pandits but also tourists and visitors curious to witness Kashmir’s unique way of observing the occasion.

Herath commemorates the divine union of lord Shiva and goddess Parvati and holds a deeply rooted cultural significance for Kashmiri Pandits.  The festival traditionally began on Saturday evening with prayers and fasting, culminating in Sundayís temple visits, family gatherings, and ritual feasts.

ìFor us, Herath is not just a religious observance but a reminder of who we are,î said Kumar Wanchoo, a Kashmiri Pandit.

He said the festival had been marked by elaborate pujas at home, preparation of traditional earthen vessels filled with walnuts, and the cooking of customary dishes. ìEven today, despite changes in lifestyle, the essence of Herath remains intact. It connects generations and keeps our traditions alive,î he said.

Other temples across the city, including Ganpatyar Temple and the Hanuman Temple at Amira Kadal, also saw a steady flow of devotees throughout the day.

Beyond the Valley, Kashmiri Pandits living in Jammu and various parts of the country and abroad remained closely connected to the celebrations. Social media platforms were flooded with photos, videos, and short reels showing families performing rituals, sharing traditional meals, and reminiscing about celebrations back home.

Many described the day as an emotional bridge to their roots.

Tourists, too, became part of the dayís experience.

Rajesh, visiting Srinagar with his family for the first time, said offering prayers at Shankaracharya Temple on Herath was memorable.

ìWe celebrate Mahashivratri back home, but seeing how it is observed here, with local customs and such serenity, was a new and beautiful experience,î he said.

As the day drew to a close, the celebrations reflected religious devotion and  Kashmirís enduring cultural diversity, with communities exchanging greetings and sharing in the spirit of the festival.

On the occasion, Kashmiri Pandits visited famous Kheer Bhawani temple in Tulmulla area of Ganderbal district.

Scores of Kashmiri Pandits from Ganderbal and other areas of Kashmir visited Kheer Bhawani temple here where they took part in the Puja and other rituals.  The devotees said that they prayed for peace, prosperity, and communal harmony.

“This is one of our important festivals and we celebrate it overwhelmingly with great fervour and gaiety,” a devotee said.

District administration Ganderbal had made security and other related arrangements for the devotees visiting Kheer Bhawani Temple.