Srinagar, Mar 07: Political leaders in Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday greeted people, especially the Kashmiri Pandit community, on the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivratri, locally known as “Herath”. They expressed hope that the festival would strengthen the bonds of amity and brotherhood between various communities.
The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference President Dr Farooq Abdullah and Vice President Omar Abdullah on Thursday greeted people on the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivratri, which is celebrated as Herath by Kashmiri Pandits.
In his message, Dr Farooq hoped that the festival would be celebrated in the true spirit of J&K’s composite culture and would strengthen the bonds of amity and brotherhood between various communities.
Felicitating the people, Omar Abdullah said that this auspicious day embeds in it a rich cultural heritage. He hoped that the traditions of brotherhood and amity demonstrated by the people on this day through centuries will continue to inspire generations and help in building a harmonious society.
Among others General Secretary Ali Muhammad Sagar, Addl General Secretary Dr Sheikh Mustafa Kamal, Treasurer Shammi Oberoi, Provincial President Nasir Aslam Wani, Chief Spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq, MPs Muhammad Akbar Lone, Hasnain Masoodi; State Spokesperson Imran Nabi Dar, Political Advisor to President Mushtaq Guroo, Political Advisor to VP Mudassar Shahmiri, Senior leaders Choudhary Muhammad Ramzan, Mian Altaf Ahmad, Muhammad Shafi Uri, Mubarak Gul, Shameema Firdous, Sakina Itoo, Media, SM Media, YNC, Women’s wing, minority wing functionaries have also extended warm greetings to people, particularly Kashmiri Pandit brethren on the auspicious occasion.
Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Thursday extended warm greetings to the people, especially the Kashmiri Pandits, who celebrate this auspicious occasion as “Herath”.
In his message, Altaf Bukhari said, “Maha Shivratri, which our Pandit brethren celebrate as Hearth, is one of the auspicious festivals. It has both religious and cultural importance, as this festival has been celebrated in high spirits for centuries and it keeps our composite culture alive. On this occasion, I extend my heartfelt greetings to the people and wish them a prosperous celebration. May this holy festival bring happiness and prosperity to the people and harmony among the communities?”
Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Front (PDF) and former minister, Hakeem Muhammad Yaseen has extended warm felicitations to the people, particularly the Kashmiri Pandit community, said Maha Shivratri reinvigorates the bonds of mutual brotherhood, communal harmony, and compassion among people. He urged for the continued strengthening of the age-old traditions of coexistence, neighbourhood, religious coherence, and communal harmony, especially in the face of rising signs of religious intolerance and hatred orchestrated by vested interests.
In a statement issued here, Hakeem said, “Some individuals seek to undermine India’s rich ethos of religious coherence and unity in diversity for political gains,” Yaseen observed, cautioning the people to resist such nefarious designs for the greater good of the nation. He said “unity in diversity” is a fundamental aspect of Indian culture that should not be swayed by fringe elements and hate-mongers.
The former minister highlighted the deep-rooted sense of brotherhood and religious harmony among Kashmiris, noting that even the tumultuous violence of the 1990s could not sever the sacred thread of trust, faith, and love among Kashmiri Muslims, Pandits, Sikhs, and Christians. “We continue to live with the same warmth of love and respect as before,” he remarked, adding that “Herath” continues to keep these valuable traditions alight with each passing year.
