Herath, meaning the ‘Night of Hara (Shiva)’, is a deeply revered festival among Kashmiri Pandits, lasting three weeks with elaborate rituals.
Kashmiri Pandits in the UK joined their global community in celebrating Herath, a unique observance of Maha Shivratri. While Maha Shivratri, honouring Lord Shiva, was widely celebrated on 26th February this year, the Kashmiri Shaivite tradition marks this auspicious occasion a day earlier.
Herath, meaning the ‘Night of Hara (Shiva)’, is a deeply revered festival among Kashmiri Pandits, lasting three weeks with elaborate rituals. Rooted in Trika Shaivism, a spiritual tradition originating in Kashmir, Herath signifies the divine union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The main worship, known as Vatuk Pooja, has four key aspects including praying to a sacred steel vessel (Kalash) filled with water and walnuts, symbolising the four Vedas.
A distinctive aspect of Herath is ‘Salaam’, observed the day after Shiva Chaturdashi, reflecting the historical harmony between Kashmiri Hindus and Muslims in the Kashmir Valley. The festival concludes on ‘Doon-Mavas’, when sacred walnuts are distributed among family members.
Despite being a small community in the UK, Kashmiri Pandits continue to uphold these cherished traditions. Families gather for prayers, exchange greetings of ‘Herath Poshte’, and enjoy traditional delicacies such as Dum Aloo, Ledar Chaman (cheese cooked in turmeric and spices), and Nadur (lotus stem).
For the Kashmiri Pandit diaspora, Herath is more than a festival—it is a celebration of resilience, cultural identity, and spiritual devotion.
