What Have I Learnt About Herath

Aayansh Ogra Menon

I have learnt that Herath is the celebration of Shiva. Herath is marked as the night Parvati and Shiva were married, hence the pooja being at midnight. Herath is celebrated in the Phalgun month
(Feb-Mar) on the 13th and 14th day – trayodashi and chaturdashi. It is a 3-day festival and is celebrated according to the lunar calendar. Each year the date changes according to the position of the moon. 

The name Herath originates from the word “Hararatri” meaning the “Night of Hara”. Hara is another name for Shiva. On the night of Herath, every girl is considered as Goddess Parvati and every boy is Lord Shiva. Herath is the most ancient festival for the Kashmiri’s. Some people also make Shivalinga’s on Herath. Instead of using murti’s (idol’s) we use a Kalash (utensil) E.g., a pot, a cup etc. Rainfall on the days of Herath is believed to be very auspicious. At the Shankaracharya Temple, in Srinagar, the biggest puja is held almost every year. 

In this 3-day period, the Pandits distribute walnuts as a mark of respect to the Hindu deities. The soaked walnuts are given as ‘prasad’ among friends and relatives after worshipping the “Watak Nath” at homes for three days and three nights. The temples are decorated with different colours and flowers each day. Some people prepare fish amongst Kashmiri Pandits to mark the wedding of Shiva and Parvati. The second day of Herath is known as ‘Salaam’.

These are the many things I have learnt about Herath. I enjoyed researching it hope you enjoy reading it.