Jammu: Lt Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah have extended their greetings to the people on the occasion of Mahashivratri (Herath), which will be celebrated on Wednesday in the state.
In a message, the LG 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 the Kashmiri Pandit community, is an occasion to rededicate ourselves to a life of commitment, truth, brotherhood, and compassion,” Sinha said.
He added, “It is a celebration of devotion and divinity, symbolising 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 extended his good wishes to the Kashmiri Pandit community on Herath, the Kashmiri equivalent of Mahashivaratri.
“Wishing everyone a joyous and blessed Herath! May this sacred festival bring peace, prosperity, and divine blessings to every home. Herath Mubarak!” Abdullah posted on his official X account.
Herath is a Kashmiri festival that is celebrated on the 13th day of the dark half of the month of Phalguna, between February and March. It holds cultural and socio-religious importance for the Kashmiri Pandits, who have continued to celebrate the festival even after migrating due to the eruption of militancy in the valley.
Herath is also known as the night of Hara, or Shiva.
In a separate message, the DGP also greeted the people of Jammu and Kashmir, the families of ‘martyrs,’ and security forces on the auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri.
“May Lord Shiva’s blessings be upon us all,” he said.
Former Chief Minister and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti also extended Herath greetings to the community.
“Herath Mubarak to our Kashmiri Pandit brethren. May this occasion bring joy and happiness to all of you,” she posted on X.
