Srinagar/Jammu: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary and several Jammu and Kashmir ministers have extended greetings to the people on the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivaratri (Herath), praying for peace, prosperity and communal harmony across the Union Territory.
In his message, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary said the festival holds immense religious significance and is celebrated with deep devotion, fervour and gaiety across Jammu and Kashmir. He prayed for the well-being of the people and stressed the importance of love, unity and mutual respect.
He urged citizens to imbibe the teachings of Lord Shiva and spread the message of harmony and brotherhood, adding that Jammu and Kashmir has always stood for communal amity and togetherness.
Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Cooperative and Election Department, Javid Ahmad Dar also conveyed his warm wishes to the people, especially the Kashmiri Pandit community celebrating the sacred festival. He said the occasion symbolises devotion, faith, harmony and the triumph of righteousness and expressed hope that it would usher happiness and prosperity to every household.
Dar said such festivals strengthen the bonds of brotherhood, mutual respect and communal harmony among diverse communities. He also prayed for the well-being of the people and reiterated the government’s commitment towards inclusive development, rural prosperity, agricultural growth and stronger grassroots democratic institutions, urging people to celebrate with traditional fervour while upholding unity and compassion.
Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo also extended greetings, describing Mahashivratri as a sacred festival reflecting the region’s long-standing tradition of spiritual coexistence and mutual respect.
“On this holy occasion of Mahashivratri, I extend my heartfelt greetings to all, particularly to our Kashmiri Pandit brothers and sisters. Herath Poshte! May this auspicious day bring renewed hope, happiness and well-being to every household,” she said.
Itoo added that such festivals provide an opportunity to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and reinforce the spirit of unity that has long been the hallmark of Jammu and Kashmir’s composite culture. She prayed for progress, prosperity and well-being of the people across the region.
Meanwhile, Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Information Technology, Youth Services and Sports, and Science and Technology, Satish Sharma also greeted the people, saying Mahashivratri carries profound spiritual significance and encourages devotion, self-reflection and inner strength.
He hoped the blessings of Lord Shiva would bring peace, good health and prosperity to families and inspire positivity in society. Sharma also prayed for lasting peace, unity and mutual respect among all communities and said the festival would further strengthen togetherness and shared progress across Jammu and Kashmir.
