Herath Celebrated with Fervour Across Kashmir | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: Herath, the Kashmiri version of Mahashivratri, was celebrated with religious devotion and cultural vibrancy by the Kashmiri Pandit community in the Valley and across the country, as the Jammu and Kashmir government declared a holiday for Pandits and legislators during the ongoing Budget session of the Assembly in Jammu.

The holiday for the Legislative Assembly was announced after People’s Democratic Party (PDP) legislator Rafiq Ahmad Naik from Tral raised the matter in the House. Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather granted the day off, a move that was widely welcomed by members of the Kashmiri Pandit community.

Mohit Bhan, a Kashmiri Pandit and PDP spokesperson, described the decision as reflective of the region’s composite ethos. “This is the real JK, where Hindu-Muslim unity is not a slogan but a lived tradition. Our shared culture and mutual respect remain our greatest strength,” he said.

Herath, derived from “Har-Ratri” or the Night of Hara (Lord Shiva), is distinct from Mahashivratri observed elsewhere in India. While Hindus across the country mark Maha Shivaratri with fasting and prayers dedicated to Lord Shiva, Kashmiri Pandits follow unique rituals rooted in centuries-old traditions.

Each Pandit household observes prayers for three days and nights, with the head of the family fasting and performing special rituals. Traditional dishes, including mutton, fish, cheese and vegetables, are prepared. An essential ritual involves soaking walnuts in water-filled clay vessels, symbolising fertility, prosperity and divine blessings. The soaked walnuts are later distributed among family members, relatives and guests.

In the Valley, members of the small remaining Pandit population visited temples to offer prayers. The largest gathering was witnessed at the hilltop Shankaracharya Temple overlooking Dal Lake, where devotees thronged the shrine amid chants and illuminated surroundings. Many also visited the revered Kheer Bhawani Temple in Ganderbal district.

Umesh Raina, who celebrated the festival at Kheer Bhawani Temple, said Herath is marked by traditions distinct from those followed by other Hindu communities in India. “We offer prayers in our homes for three days and nights. We cook several dishes and soak walnuts for distribution among us,” he said.

Thousands of Kashmiri Pandits had migrated from the Valley in the 1990s amid militancy, after over 200 members of the community were killed. Many now reside in Jammu and other parts of the country, where they continue to observe Herath within their homes, preserving rituals and cultural practices.

Sameer Koul, an oncologist, shared images of his son participating in the celebrations, noting that while geographies and generations may have changed, traditions continue to survive and flourish.

In Jammu, where a significant number of displaced Pandits reside, the festival was celebrated with cultural enthusiasm, including community prayers and family gatherings.

Greetings poured in from national and regional leaders. Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended wishes on social media, writing, “Herath Poshte! This sacred festival reflects the rich traditions of our Kashmiri Pandit community. On this pious occasion, I pray for wellness and abundance in everyone’s lives.”

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also conveyed greetings, expressing hope that the festival would strengthen bonds of harmony and brotherhood across the Union Territory.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha wished people on the occasion, praying for health, happiness and prosperity, and for the festival to reinforce communal harmony.

Tourists visiting Kashmir also joined the celebrations. Pooja, a visitor from Bihar, said she felt blessed to be present in Srinagar during the festival. Another tourist, Upesh, said they had planned their trip to coincide with Herath to experience the spiritual atmosphere.

For the Kashmiri Pandit community, Herath remains more than a religious observance — it is a reaffirmation of identity, continuity and cultural resilience, sustained across generations and geographies.