Srinagar, Feb 14: Kashmir is set to witness an atmosphere of devotion and quiet festivity as the Kashmiri Pandit community begins celebrations of Herath, one of its most significant religious observances.
While celebrated as Mahashivratri across the country, Herath holds a distinctive cultural and spiritual identity in Kashmir, rooted in centuries-old local traditions.
The celebrations formally commenced on Saturday night, with the main day of observance falling on Sunday. From late Saturday evening, Pandit households across the Valley prepared for long hours of prayers, fasting, and ritual observances that continued through the night.
Herath is annually observed by followers of lord Shiva to mark his divine marriage with goddess Parvati.
However, in Kashmir, the festival has evolved into a deeply symbolic community event, blending Shaivite philosophy with local customs.
ìHerath would begin from Saturday evening itself and continue till Sunday. We observe a fast, perform puja for hours during the night, and prepare the traditional earthen pots filled with walnuts, which are central to our Herath celebrations,î said Kumar Wanchoo, a Kashmiri Pandit.
He said a defining ritual of Herath is the soaking of walnuts in clay vessels, symbolising fertility, prosperity, and divine blessings, alongside elaborate vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, with fish considered an essential part of the feast.
Families exchange greetings, host social gatherings, and renew bonds that transcend generations.
Wanchu fondly recalled the celebrations of earlier decades. ìThere was more community bonding. Children would play together, homes were open to neighbours, and one unique tradition followed by Herath was the burning of discarded kangris. It symbolised the end of harsh winter and the arrival of spring,î he said.
Meanwhile, across Kashmir, major temples are expected to draw large gatherings. Devotees will line up at the hilltop Shankaracharya Temple, overlooking Dal Lake, while special prayers will be held throughout the day at Ganpatyar Temple and the Hanuman Temple in Srinagar. Hundreds of yatris are also expected to visit Kheer Bhawani Temple and other shrines across Kashmir.
Devotees said that colourful Shobha Yatras, traditional attire, and devotional chants will add to Sundayís bustle, with people travelling from distant areas to participate.
Reflecting Kashmirís plural ethos, members of other communities also join in extending greetings.
ìThese festivals are part of Kashmirís shared culture. It is heartening to see different communities celebrating their faiths while living together in brotherhood,î said Abdul Rashid, a local.
