Pulwama: Since ages the festival of Maha Shivratri locally known as Herath is widely celebrated with religious zest and ferver among the Pandit community of Kashmir. For the residents of Wahibugh, a modest village on the banks of Romeshi rivulet, Herath has always been a festival fostering bonhomie between the Pandits and the Muslims of the area.
The village has been a home to a dozen Pandit families residing in a locality named Batpora. Living in the vicinity of their Muslim brethren, the Pandits and the Musims of the area have always set an esteemed example of brotherhood and communal harmony.
Come Herath, both the communities observe the festival with Muslims greeting their Pandit brothers while joining them during the celebrations of the festival.
It is on this day Muslims in droves visit the houses of their Pandit neighbours and offer them Herath greetings.
“ For past 40 years I have been visiting the house of my Pandit neighbour, PyareLal, to offer them Herath greetings,” Bashir Ahmad a resident of Wahibugh said, adding that his family members too accompany him. He added that their Pandit neighbours reciprocate by visiting him on the day of Eid.
Seting an example of harmony these families have been living with their Muslim neighbours facing ups and down together and through thick & thin.
Wahibugh is a reflection of country’s centuries old secular traditions of Ganga-JamuniTehzeeb.
Festivals like Eid and Herath are celebrated here in the spirit of strengthening mutual brotherhood.
The locals said that after exchanging pleasantries with their neighbours they are offered tea, fresh fruits and walnuts. “My kids also receive different gifts from my Pandit neighbours,” he said, but what they love most is the walnuts.
To mention, Walnut distribution is a distinguished ritual during the festival of Herath.
Sanjay said that Herath walnuts are distributed among relatives, neighbours and friends.
” We make sure that the walnuts are distributed among all especially our Muslim brothers and neighbours who visit and wish us on Herath. This is an age old tradition that has kept us all united and unshaken,” he said.
It is pertinent to mention that one of the prominent features as per the festival ritual are different delicacies cooked specially on this day which including Fish and Nadru. On this festival various dishes as per rituals are made.
“ Some prepare fish or meat,” Sanjay said, adding some prefer to cook Dam Aalov, Nader Chorma,NaderYakhini, Cabbage, Cualiflower and othet vegetables.
Sanjay, a local Kashmiri Pandit, said that they observe Herath on 12th or 13th of Phalguna month ( Gatpach).
“Herath is remembered as the night of Shiva, it was on this night that Shiva married to Parvati,” he said, adding that this night is remembered for union of Shiva with Shakhti.
“ Herath Puja known as Vatuk Puja is held from evening till late night,” he said, adding that they observe the Puja inside their houses. The pitchers are filled with water in which walnuts are immersed.”
Villagers here believe that Herath marks the end of harsh winter in Kashmir.
Pertinent to mention there is a a beautiful temple in the vicinity, Swami Shankar Raza Asthapan, which was renovated a couple of years ago and all repair work was carried out by the members from the Muslim community.
Few yards ahead from the temple stands the shrine of Syed Hassan Kirmani (RA). it is revered by members from both the communities. The Pandits make it sure to light a candle at the shrine on the night of annual Urs.
