Srinagar: Former Chief Minister and PDP President Ms. Mehbooba Mufti has extended her heartfelt greetings to the Kashmiri Pandit community on the auspicious occasion of Herath (Maha Shivratri), a festival deeply embedded in Kashmir’s rich cultural and spiritual ethos.
In her message, Mehbooba Mufti described Herath as more than just a religious observance; it is a centuries-old tradition that symbolizes the shared heritage of Kashmiri Muslims and Kashmiri Pandits, transcending religious boundaries and reinforcing the syncretic fabric of Kashmiri society.
“For centuries, Herath has not just been a festival for our Kashmiri Pandit brethren but an occasion that brought the two communities together in celebration and harmony. The fragrance of Dum Aloo, Matsch, Rogan Josh, and Yakhni wafting through Kashmiri homes, and the spirit of festivity remind us of Kashmir a land of coexistence, love, and mutual respect,” she said.
Mehbooba Mufti expressed deep sorrow over the migration of Kashmiri Pandits from their homeland, emphasizing that Kashmir remains incomplete without them.
“A Kashmir without Kashmiri Pandits, is bereft of its soul. The pain of separation lingers, and our collective identity as Kashmiris will only be truly restored when our Pandit brothers and sisters return to their homeland with dignity and security.”
She reiterated her party’s commitment to ensuring a safe, dignified, and honorable return of Kashmiri Pandits, where they can celebrate their festivals not in exile but in their own homes, among their own people.
“Herath is not just a festival for Kashmiri Pandits, it is a reminder for all Kashmiris of the composite culture that once thrived in our land. Let us all, regardless of faith, take inspiration from this festival and renew our commitment to rebuilding bridges of trust, love, and unity,” she added.
On this occasion, she prayed for peace, prosperity, and harmony in Jammu & Kashmir and wished that the festival of Herath brings joy and well-being to all.(KINS)
