SRINAGAR: The Hindu community in Kashmir, along with tourists, celebrated Mahashivaratri here on Wednesday.
Local Hindus, who are a minority in the valley, visited the Shankaracharya temple atop Zabarwan hills here early in the morning to pay obeisance to Lord Shiva, officials said.
They said dozens of tourists also visited the temple to observe Mahashivaratri. Devotees also offered prayers at the Martand Sun temple in South Kashmir’s Anantnag district.
In Kashmir, Shivratri is locally known as Herath, and as part of their unique traditions, Pandits observe nightlong prayers and offer walnuts, which are placed in a watuk (earthen pot) as a sacred ritual.
Despite the inclement weather, tourists and devotees, including men, women, and children, patiently queued up along the stairs of the Shankaracharya Temple, perched on a hill overlooking the picturesque Dal Lake. Braving the rain and dense fog since morning, they eagerly awaited their turn to offer prayers.
Authorities in Srinagar had made adequate arrangements to facilitate smooth and hassle-free visits for devotees at the temple and other places of worship.
A group of tourists from Mumbai, Himachal Pradesh, and Delhi was delighted after paying obeisance on a cold weather morning at the temple.
Kritika from Delhi said that “it was a great experience to visit Shankaracharya temple on the holy occasion of Maha Shivratri.” She said that the spiritual feelings are all around this temple.
The devotees also took part in the special prayers and prayed for the eternal and everlasting peace for the country, particularly Kashmir.
J&K Lt Governor, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, and several leaders have greeted the people on Maha Shivratri.
‘Herath’ Celebrated With Religious Fervour In Kashmir
