Mahashivratri: A Prominent Festival of Kashmiri Pandits
Our country is culturally rich and diverse in nature. Its diverse culture is reflected in our various rituals and festivals like Holi, Diwali, Dussehra, Pongal, Shivratri, Christmas, Eid etc. Indians celebrate these festivals with full enthusiasm and fervour. Out of all these festivals, the festival of Shivratri holds special importance for Kashmiri Pandits. Shivratri or Mahashivratri is an auspicious day for devotees who have faith in Lord Shiva. Shivratri is celebrated not only in India but also in Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and several other countries. This auspicious festival is usually celebrated in the month of February or March every year. This year Mahashivratri is being celebrated on the Eighteenth of February throughout the country.
On the day of Mahashivratri, devotees worship Lord Shiva also known as Mahadeva. Mahashivratri is termed as the ‘Great Night of Shiva’ and it is said that Lord Shiva saved the entire Universe from a pot of poison that emerged from the ocean during Samudra Manthan/Ocean-Churning. To protect the entire world from the evil effects of this poison, Shiva drank the entire poison and held it in his throat instead of swallowing it. Due to this, his throat became blue and hence he came to be known as Neelakantha. On this auspicious day, followers and devotees of Shiva observe fast and special Pujas performed in several temples of Shiva across the world.
Several devotees pray the whole night and chant mantras in praise of Lord Shiva. According to mythology, it is said that Lord Shiva got married to Goddess Parvati on the day of Mahashivratri. Women perform Puja and worship Goddess Parvati also known as Gauri and it said that Goddess grants them a boon in the form of a decent husband and a long-married life. On this day, in various temples fairs and cultural programmes are also organised.
It is believed that those people who perform puja, fast, and offer prayers to Lord Shiva are blessed with good luck. Many people also think that Mahashivratri fast reminds devotees that pride, ego and falsehood lead to downfall only. All in all, this is a day when positivity wins over negativity.
Shivratri in Kashmir is called ‘Herath’ and this festival holds a special significance among all the festivals for Kashmiri Pandits. The method of celebration is also slightly different and unique. Despite the exile of Pandits from the valley, Kashmiri Pandits, wherever they are, celebrate this festival with enthusiasm, faith and devotion. According to mythological beliefs, the word ‘Herath’ is derived from the Sanskrit word Har-Ratri ie the Great Night of Har (Shiva)
There is a rich tradition of every Kashmiri Pandit having a worship compartment in his house called ‘Thokur Kuth’ (Chamber of Deity/Lord). Shivratri (Puja)worship is done here only. Several days before Shivratri, after cleaning the entire house, about ten urns/containers including two big urns symbolizing Shiva and Parvati and the entire Shiva family are installed at the place of worship. Decorated with flowers, garlands, etc. walnuts are placed inside these water-filled urns. The Walnut is considered a symbol of the four Vedas. Puja(adoration/worship) of these urns continues for several days. During this period, the water of all these vessels/urns is changed regularly. On the day of Amavasya, the Kalasha (main urn) of Vatuk-Bhairav (Shiva) is taken to the banks of Vitasta (Jhelum) and the material offered in worship is immersed. After this, the householder brings back the urn to his home. The already locked door of the house is knocked at. This is the conversation between the person inside the door (the housewife) and the person outside (the householder):
Who are you?
I am Rambror.
What have you brought?
Food, money and employment.
Who is the witness?
Bhairvarup Vatuknath (Lord Shiva in the form of Vatuknath himself).
After this the door is opened. All the members of the house are delighted and start rejoicing. They bring out the walnuts from the urn. Break and eat them as Prasad/offering. Later these walnuts are distributed to close relatives as Naivedaya. More specially to married sisters and daughters.
On the next day of Hearth, there is yet another ritual called ‘Salam’. On this day the neighbours and people of other communities, especially Muslims say ‘Salam’ (all the best!) to their Hindu (Pandit) brothers to felicitate/salute them on the auspicious occasion of Shivratri. This congenial tradition in Kashmir has been in practice for decades altogether.
Shivaratri, in fact, is one of the important festivals of the Kashmiri Pandits. This festival is a valuable part of Kashmiri Pandits’ philosophical, spiritual, social and cultural heritage. From ancient times Pandits have been celebrating it in odd situations and with the same reverence and faith even today as well.
Let us pray that this year and for many more years Shivratri brings a new and ever-lasting message of happiness and prosperity for Kashmiri Pandits including other communities of the Kashmir Valley. May Lord Shiva (Mahadeva) shower his blessings on everyone around us. Let Happiness and Peace prevail everywhere and let Shivratri bring solace to every citizen of our beloved country.
Dr. Shiben Krishna Raina is a writer, author and translator currently based in Dubai
