LG, CM, DG, Others Extend Greetings
Srinagar: One of the most important festival of the Kashmiri pandits – ‘Herath’ (Maha Shivratri)—is being celebrated on Wednesday throughout the valley by members of the pandit community.
A large number of devotees will be visiting temples, particularly Shankaracharya on the hill top of Takhat-e-Suliman, since early this morning despite rain and chilly weather conditions.
Shivratri, literally the night of Shiva, is one of the most important occasions of the Hindu calendar, typically falling each year on the fourteenth day/night of the dark half of the month of the Phalguna (February–March).
Meanwhile Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Director General of Police (DGP) Nalin Prabhat and others have extended heartiest greetings to the people on the occasion of Mahashivratri.
In a message, the Lieutenant Governor said: “On the auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri, I convey my hearty greetings and felicitations to all and wish them health, happiness and prosperity.
The sacred festival, celebrated as ‘Herath’ by Kashmiri Pandit community, is an occasion to rededicate ourselves to a life of commitment, truth, brotherhood and compassion. It is a celebration of devotion, divinity and symbolises our inner journey to rise to higher levels of consciousness.
I pray to Lord Shiva to guide us on the path of righteousness and shower His blessings on all of us for years to come”.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also extended his warmest greetings to the people on the auspicious occasion of Herath (Mahashivratri).
In his message, the Chief Minister described the festival as a joyous occasion, symbolizing faith, devotion and a moment of spiritual renewal.
He prayed for the sacred festival to bring peace, prosperity and divine blessings to every home and to all those celebrating.
The Chief Minister also conveyed his greetings through his official X account, posting: “Wishing everyone a joyous and blessed Herath! May this sacred festival bring peace, prosperity, and divine blessings to every home. Herath Mubarak!”
Deputy Chief Minister, Surinder Chaudhary while emphasising the spiritual significance of the occasion, said that the festival is celebrated with all devotion and religious fervour in the region. He said that it symbolises unity and togetherness fostering inclusivity and mutual brotherhood.
The Deputy Chief Minister further expressed hope that the festival would bring joy, prosperity and well-being to people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo has extended her warm greetings to the people on the auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri (Herath).
In her message, the Minister described the festival as a sacred occasion to rededicate oneself to live a virtuous life. She added that Herath holds a special place in the history, culture and pluralistic ethos of Jammu and Kashmir.
Sakeena said that the warmth with which Herath is celebrated across J&K, defines the communal harmony Jammu and Kashmir is known for.
The Minister also prayed for peace, progress and prosperity of entire Jammu and Kashmir.
Divisional Commissioner (Div Com) Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri today extended his warm greetings to the people on the auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri celebrated with fervour and gaiety across the country.
In his message, Div Com wished for enriching spiritual experience to devotees and prayed for unity among communities and prosperity in the region.