Dr Farooq, Mehbooba Mufti, Altaf Bukhari, Tarigami greet people on Mahashivratri
Srinagar, Feb 25: National Conference President, Dr Farooq Abdullah, PDP President Mehbooba Mufti, Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari and CPI (M) leader M Y Tarigami have greeted the people on Mahashivratri (Herath).
In his message, Dr Farooq Abdullah expressed hope that the festival would be celebrated in the true spirit of Jammu and Kashmir's composite culture, strengthening the bonds of amity and brotherhood between various communities.
In her message, Mehbooba Mufti described Herath as more than just a religious observance it is a centuries-old tradition that symbolises the shared heritage of Kashmiri Muslims and Kashmiri Pandits, transcending religious boundaries and reinforcing the syncretic fabric of Kashmiri society.
“For centuries, Herath has not just been a festival for our Kashmiri Pandit brethren but an occasion that brought the two communities together in celebration and harmony. The fragrance of Dum Aloo, Matsch, Rogan Josh, and Yakhni wafting through Kashmiri homes, and the spirit of festivity remind us of the Kashmir a land of coexistence, love, and mutual respect,” she said.
Mehbooba Mufti expressed deep sorrow over the migration of Kashmiri Pandits from their homeland, emphasising that Kashmir remains incomplete without them.
“A Kashmir without Kashmiri Pandits, is bereft of its soul. The pain of separation lingers, and our collective identity as Kashmiris will only be truly restored when our Pandit brothers and sisters return to their homeland with dignity and security,” the former Chief Minister said.
She reiterated her party’s commitment to ensuring a safe, dignified, and honorable return of Kashmiri Pandits, where they can celebrate their festivals not in exile but in their own homes, among their own people.
“Herath is not just a festival for Kashmiri Pandits it is a reminder for all Kashmiris of the composite culture that once thrived in our land. Let us all, regardless of faith, take inspiration from this festival and renew our commitment to rebuilding bridges of trust, love, and unity,” she added.
On this occasion, she prayed for peace, prosperity, and harmony in Jammu and Kashmir and wished that the festival of Herath brings joy and well-being to all.
Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari in his message said, “I extend my heartfelt greetings to everyone on the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivratri. In particular, I convey my best wishes to our Pandit brethren, who celebrate this significant festival as ‘Herath,’ enriching it with their age-old traditions and customs.”
He further remarked, “Herath holds a unique place in Kashmir’s history, culture, and rich pluralistic ethos. This festival is not only of religious significance but also plays a vital role in preserving our shared heritage and composite traditions.”
“On this special occasion, I pray for peace, stability, and harmony to prevail in Jammu and Kashmir,” he added.
In his message, Tarigami has said that the day “reminds us about the communal harmony and brotherhood which is the landmark of Kashmiri’s rich culture and ethos.” He said the occasion renews the resolve of the people of the region towards upholding the value and high traditions of co-existence, brotherhood and communal harmony. He said that Kashmiryat without existence of Kashmiri Pandits shall be incomplete.
