Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Mar 6: ‘Hairath’ (Maha Shivratri) was celebrated by the Kashmiri Pandits with religious fervor and zeal across Kashmir today.
While prayers were held at several temples, Muslims too were seen greeting the Pandits on the festive occasion. Pandits also performed nightlong pooja from last evening.
Traditionally, the Pandits hold nightlong pooja on Hairath that is followed by ‘salam’ the next day. During ‘salam’, they visit friends and relatives to extend Hairath greetings.
For Pandits this night is very pious and therefore they offer night long pooja in their houses. They believe that marriage of Lord Shiva and Parvati had taken place on this night only.
As part of distinct Herath celebrations in Kashmir, Pandits pray to Lord Shiva and Parvati with offerings of walnuts that are placed in ‘watuk’ (earthen pot). Walnuts are later distributed among friends and relatives. Among other delicacies, Pandits also cook fish and lotus stem on the festive occasion.
The traditional hustle and bustle that was usually seen during Hairath celebrations before the eruption of militancy in Kashmir may not be seen anymore but the Pandits here nevertheless have kept their age-old traditions alive.
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