The festival of Mahashivratri and Herath holds great significance for the Kashmiri Pandit community. It is a time for celebrating our rich culture and traditions, and coming together to pray for wellness and harmony. This year, the festival was made even more special as Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Minister of State for Railways Manoj Sinha, and former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Omar Abdullah extended their greetings to the community, emphasizing the importance of preserving our customs and promoting unity.
In his message, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the importance of Mahashivratri and Herath in the Kashmiri Pandit community. He said, “On the auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri and Herath, my warm greetings to all Kashmiri Pandits. May this festival bring happiness, peace and prosperity in our lives.” He also urged everyone to take inspiration from Lord Shiva’s teachings of compassion, harmony, and righteousness.
Minister of State for Railways, Manoj Sinha, also extended his greetings to the Kashmiri Pandit community, saying, “I extend my warmest greetings to all Kashmiri Pandits on the auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri and Herath. May this festival bring joy and prosperity to all.” He also emphasized the need to preserve our traditions and pass them on to future generations.
Former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Omar Abdullah, also took to social media to extend his greetings to the community. In his message, he said, “Wishing all Kashmiri Pandits a very happy Mahashivratri and Herath. May this festival bring peace, prosperity and harmony in our lives.” He also stressed on the importance of celebrating our customs and traditions, which are an integral part of our identity.
The greetings extended by these prominent leaders hold great significance for the Kashmiri Pandit community, especially in the current scenario. The community has faced numerous challenges and hardships over the years, and these messages of solidarity and inclusivity from the leaders provide a ray of hope and positivity.
Mahashivratri and Herath are celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm by the Kashmiri Pandit community. The festival marks the wedding anniversary of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati and is considered as the day when Lord Shiva performed the cosmic dance of creation, preservation, and destruction. On this day, Kashmiri Pandits pay their respects to Lord Shiva by offering prayers and performing rituals.
Herath, also known as Shivratri, is a unique festival celebrated by the Kashmiri Pandit community. It is a two-day festival that begins with the cleaning and purification of the house and ends with a grand feast. On the first day, a traditional dish called ‘Harissa’ is prepared, which is a mixture of rice and meat. On the second day, a special dish called ‘Nadir Monje’ is prepared, which is made with lotus stem and yogurt.
The celebration of Mahashivratri and Herath not only brings the community together but also promotes unity and harmony. It is a time for forgiveness, reconciliation, and spreading love and positivity. The greetings extended by PM Modi, Manoj Sinha, and Omar Abdullah are a reflection of this spirit of togetherness and inclusivity.
In recent years, the government has taken various initiatives to preserve and promote the cultural heritage of the Kashmiri Pandit community. The reopening of the historic Sharda Peeth temple in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and the establishment of the ‘Kashmiri Pandit Cultural Center’ in Jammu are some of the steps taken in this direction. The extension of greetings by the leaders further highlights the government’s commitment to protecting and promoting the Kashmiri Pandit traditions and culture.
In conclusion, the greetings extended by PM Modi, Manoj Sinha, and Omar Abdullah have brought a sense of joy and positivity among the Kashmiri Pandit community. It is a reaffirmation of our rich culture, traditions, and values, and a reminder to cherish and preserve them. Let us all come together to celebrate this festival with love, harmony, and unity, and pray for the wellness and prosperity of our community. Happy Mahashivratri and Herath to all!
