Herath today
Srinagar/ Jammu, Feb 25: Maha Shivratri, locally known as ‘Herath’, will be celebrated with religious fervour and gaiety across Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday.
Kashmiri Pandits would pay obeisance at temples and offer Pooja on the occasion.
The biggest gathering is expected at Shankaracharya Temple overlooking the Dal Lake in Srinagar.
The special prayers would be also held at Ganpatyar and Hanuman Temple at Amira Kadal in Srinagar.
The festival holds an important place among the Pandits, who celebrate it to mark the wedding of lord Shiva with Parvati by cooking traditional Kashmiri food, especially fish.
The occasion is celebrated throughout J&K and has a special significance for Kashmiri Pandits.
Maha Shivaratri, locally known as Herath, calls for a night devoted to the worship of lord Shiva.
On this festival, Kashmiri Pandits distribute walnuts as a mark of respect to the Hindu deities.
The temples are decorated with different colours and flowers.
An official said that the Fishers Department has made available fish at different stalls in Kashmir, including in Srinagar.
Meanwhile, in Jammu, Kashmiri Pandits started preparations to perform Pooja on Herath as per their rituals.
A section of Kashmiri Pandits filled a pot with water and decorated it with flowers.
PM Modi greets Kashmiri Pandits on Herath Poshte
Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted Kashmiri Pandits on the occasion of Herath Poshte, which will be celebrated on Wednesday.
In a post on X, he wrote: “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. May it also fulfil dreams, create new opportunities, and bring lasting happiness for all.”
LG Sinha greets people on Herath
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha extended his heartiest greetings to the people on the occasion of Mahashivratri.
In a message, the LG said: “On the auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri, I convey my hearty greetings and felicitations to all and wish them health, happiness and prosperity. The sacred festival celebrated as ‘Herath’ by the Kashmiri Pandit community, is an occasion to rededicate ourselves to a life of commitment, truth, brotherhood and compassion. It is a celebration of devotion, and divinity and symbolises our inner journey to rise to higher levels of consciousness. I pray to Lord Shiva to guide us on the path of righteousness and shower His blessings on all of us for years to come.”
CM Omar extends Herath greetings to people
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah extended his warmest greetings to the people on the occasion of Mahashivratri celebrated as ‘Herath’ by the Kashmiri Pandit community.
In his message, the CM described the festival as a joyous occasion, symbolising faith, devotion and a moment of spiritual renewal.
He prayed for the sacred festival to bring peace, prosperity and divine blessings to every home and to all those celebrating.
The CM also conveyed his greetings through his official X account, posting: “Wishing everyone a joyous and blessed Herath! May this sacred festival bring peace, prosperity, and divine blessings to every home. Herath Mubarak!”
DGP greets people on Maha Shivratri
Director General of Police (DGP) Nalin Prabhat greeted the people of J&K, families of security forces, and the families whose dear ones were killed in the line of duty on the occasion of Maha Shivratri.
“May Lord Shiva’s blessings be upon us all,” he said in a statement of J&K Police issued here.
