Srinagar, Feb 25: Political leaders across Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday extended warm greetings to the people on the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivratri, which the Kashmiri Pandit community celebrates as “Herath” in the valley, observing centuries-old local traditions and rituals while marking this important festival.
Jammu and Kashmir National Conference President (JKNC) president Dr Farooq Abdullah in his message expressed hope that the festival would be celebrated in the true spirit of Jammu and Kashmir’s composite culture, strengthening the bonds of amity and brotherhood between various communities.
Among others, the party’s General Secretary Ali Muhammad Sagar, Additional General Secretary Dr Sheikh Mustafa Kamal, Advisor to CM Nasir Aslam Wani, Treasurer Shammi Oberoi, Chief Spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq, Senior leaders Choudhary Muhammad Ramzan, Muhammad Shafi Uri, Mubarak Gul, Shameema Firdous, Sakina Itoo, Dr Sameer Koul, MPs Mian Altaf Ahmad, Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi; Political Advisor to President Mushtaq Guroo, Political Advisor to VP Mudassar Shahmiri, State Spokesperson Imran Nabi Dar, Provincial Presidents Rattan Lal Gupta, Showkat Ahmad Mir; Additional Spokesperson Shriya Handoo, Media, SM Media, YNC, Women’s wing, minority wing functionaries also extended warm greetings to people, particularly Kashmiri Pandit brethren on the auspicious occasion.
Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader Mohamad Yousuf Tarigami in his message said, “The day reminds us about the communal harmony and brotherhood which is the landmark of Kashmiri’s rich culture and ethos.”
He said the occasion renews the resolve of the people of the region towards upholding the value and high traditions of co-existence, brotherhood and communal harmony. “Kashmiryat without the existence of Kashmiri Pandits shall be incomplete,” he asserted.
Apni Party president Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari said, “I extend my heartfelt greetings to everyone on the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivratri. In particular, I convey my best wishes to our Pandit brethren, who celebrate this significant festival as ‘Herath,’ enriching it with their age-old traditions and customs.”
He added, “Herath holds a unique place in Kashmir’s history, culture, and rich pluralistic ethos. This festival is not only of religious significance but also plays a vital role in preserving our shared heritage and composite traditions. On this special occasion, I pray for peace, stability, and harmony to prevail in Jammu and Kashmir.”
Apni Party senior vice president Ghulam Hassan Mir in a statement said that Maha Shivratri holds a special place in the history, culture and pluralistic ethos of Jammu and Kashmir. “The fervour with which Maha Shivratri is celebrated here in J&K is a testimony to the impeccable communal harmony in Jammu and Kashmir. I warmly greet our Hindu brethren especially the Pandit community on this auspicious occasion. I pray that on this sacred occasion, peace, prosperity and progress prevail in our region,” he said.
People’s Democratic Front (PDF) chairman Hakeem Muhammad Yaseen in his felicitation message said, “The festival symbolises the values of piety, devotion, brotherhood and harmony, which are the hallmarks of our centuries-old cultural ethos. May this auspicious occasion prove a harbinger of a new era of peace, progress and development.”
Vice President Youth National Conference (YNC) Kupwara, Er Sheikh Saakib said Maha Shivratri is one of the revered festivals celebrated across Kashmir by the Pandit brethren. He wished the community a prosperous and joyful celebration. “I hope this festival brings happiness to the people and the age-old traditional bonding and harmony among the communities prevails,” Er Saakib said.
