Herath, the Kashmiri Pandit celebration of Maha Shivaratri, was once a vibrant and essential aspect of Kashmir’s cultural heritage. Unlike the brief observance in many parts of India, Herath is a multi-day festival that embodies faith, devotion, and ancestral customs. It is regarded as the most significant celebration for Kashmiri Pandits, intricately intertwined with their religious convictions and cultural legacy.
Even today, despite the exile of Kashmiri Pandits and the dislocation of their traditions from their native land, Herath is celebrated wherever they have settled. However, its absence from the region where it was once commemorated with splendor renders it a missing yet treasured celebration in Kashmir.
SIGNIFICANCE
Herath holds great spiritual and cultural relevance for Kashmiri Pandits. It signifies the divine union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, a holy event recognized across India as Maha Shivaratri. Nevertheless, in Kashmir, Herath possesses a distinct significance due to its association with Swami Amarnath Ji, an esteemed shrine for Kashmiri Pandits.
It is believed that on this sacred night, Lord Shiva reveals his divine presence, bestowing blessings and prosperity upon his followers. The festival is seen as a time for spiritual awakening, self-purification, and the seeking of divine grace. Unlike the traditions in other regions of India, where Shivaratri rituals center around temple visits and fasting, Herath in Kashmir is characterized by elaborate household ceremonies, prayers, and rich cultural customs.
RITUALS AND CELEBRATIONS
Herath is far more than a one-day affair; it is a multi-day celebration that features various rituals that reflect the devotion and customs of Kashmiri Pandits. Each ceremony carries special meaning, passed down through generations.
1. Vatuk Pooja – Worship of Vatuk Dev
One of the most unique elements of Herath is the worship of Vatuk Dev, a symbolic embodiment of Lord Shiva and his divine powers. Unlike conventional Shiva worship, which focuses on a Shivling, Kashmiri Pandits honor Vatuk Dev, represented by a collection of pots (either clay or metal) filled with water and walnuts.
These pots symbolize the divine presence of Lord Shiva, with the water representing purity and spiritual energy. The walnuts hold particular importance as they signify divine offerings and prosperity. The Vatuk Pooja is conducted with mantras, sacred hymns, and offerings in an elaborate home ceremony.
2. Doon Pooja – The Sacred Walnuts
A truly unique tradition of Herath involves soaking walnuts in water as a part of the ritual worship. These walnuts are deemed sacred and are later distributed as prasad (blessed offering) among family members, friends, and relatives.
This custom has profound spiritual meaning—the walnut symbolizes the soul, and soaking it in water embodies purification and divine blessings. The day after Herath, family members share the soaked walnuts, spreading the blessings of Lord Shiva.
3. Night Vigil & Fasting – Devotion and Prayers
On the night of Herath, devotees remain awake in prayer, chanting bhajans and hymns dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is a time of deep spiritual reflection, with devotees seeking divine grace and enlightenment.
Some devotees observe strict fasts, abstaining from food while focusing on prayer and meditation. Others partake in a simple vegetarian meal, adhering to a tradition of purity and devotion.
4. Salaam – The Post-Herath Celebration
A distinctive aspect of Herath is the “Salaam,” celebrated the day after Herath. Families exchange greetings and blessings, akin to how Muslims extend their greetings during Eid. This tradition underscores the communal harmony and shared celebrations that once marked Kashmir’s rich cultural tapestry.
On this day, Kashmiri Pandits prepare and savor traditional Kashmiri feasts, joyfully concluding the festival with love and communal unity.
A LOST TRADITION IN KASHMIR
Herath was once celebrated with grandeur throughout Kashmir, uniting families and communities. It was not simply a Pandit festival but a collective cultural experience, with deeply rooted traditions connecting people across different faiths.
COMMUNAL HARMONY IN HERATH CELEBRATIONS
Much like Eid, during which Muslims and Pandits exchanged greetings and participated in each other’s celebrations, Herath fostered interfaith bonds and cultural solidarity. Muslim neighbors would often visit Pandit families to convey their wishes, reflecting the spirit of mutual respect and coexistence.
However, following the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits in 1990, this festival has largely vanished from the Valley. With Pandits no longer present in their homeland, Herath is now celebrated away from Kashmir, in various cities and towns across India and internationally.
Despite this enforced displacement, Kashmiri Pandits have preserved Herath. Even in exile, they continue to observe the festival with immense devotion and enthusiasm, ensuring their faith, traditions, and cultural identity remain vibrant.
HOPE FOR REVIVAL – WISHING FOR HERATH’S RETURN TO KASHMIR
Herath is more than a festival; it symbolizes resilience, faith, and cultural identity for Kashmiri Pandits. While it continues to be celebrated outside Kashmir, its absence from its homeland is profoundly felt.
The hope lingers that one day, Herath will once more be celebrated in Kashmir, as it has been for centuries—with prayers, festivities, and communal unity.
As Kashmiri Pandits around the globe celebrate Herath, they hold onto the dream of returning to their homeland and reviving their traditions in the land they rightfully belong to.
Wishing for the day when Herath is once again celebrated in Kashmir with the same spirit, unity, and joy.
