Shivratri: Pandits struggle to keep tradition alive

M Aamir Khan

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Tribune News Service

Srinagar, February 23

As the Valley continues to miss the hustle and bustle that was once a norm on ‘Herath’ (Shivratri) eve, keeping the age-old traditions is no easy task for the non-migrant Kashmiri Pandits.

Before the migration of Kashmiri Pandits more than 27 years ago, a festive atmosphere would be visible in marketplaces but now the non-migrants struggle to buy essentials needed to celebrate the festival.

“Ahead of Herath before migration, trout would be sold in every market but today I went all around the city but had to return empty-handed. Now, the age-old festivity and traditions are nowhere to be seen and we celebrate Herath silently,” said Hindu Welfare Society Kashmir president Chunni Lal Bhat.

He said they would perform a nightlong puja tomorrow as per the past practice to commemorate the marriage of Lord Shiva and Parvati, and then observe ‘salam’ on Saturday.

“After the nightlong puja on Shivratri, we still visit friends and relatives the next day for ‘salam’ to extend Herath greetings. We also cook fish, nadru (lotus stem) and other delicacies. However, now our celebrations are inconspicuous as the majority of our Pandit community has migrated. We are struggling to keep our traditions alive,” Bhat said.

As part of the distinct Herath celebrations in Kashmir, Pandits pray to Lord Shiva and Parvati with offerings of walnuts that are placed in a ‘watuk’ (earthen pot). Walnuts are later distributed among friends and relatives.

Shubenji Labroo, another non-migrant from the Shivpora area in Srinagar, said the government had “forgotten” them. “There were announcements that trout would be abundantly available but the government even failed to provide us sugar. When we went to the ration ghat, we were told that ‘some contract’ had expired and therefore no sugar would be available. The state and Centre only seem to be concerned about the return of migrants and do not care much for us even though we stayed back (after militancy),” he said.

Around 600 non-migrant Pandit families at present reside in the Valley and for long have been alleging step-motherly treatment.

Bhat said Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti’s instructions for inclusion of non-migrant Kashmiri Pandits in the welfare endeavours of the government in a recent meeting were welcome but the authorities needed to keep its word.

“For the first time, there has been a specific mention of non-migrants and we welcome this statement. Despite several pleas from our side in the past, our issues were being ignored and this statement has raised hope amongst our community. However, the government should move beyond lip-service and address all our concerns,” he said.

Their demands include minority status for the non-migrant Pandits, job package for the youth, rehabilitation for internally displaced members and the passing of the Protection of Hindu Temples and Shrines Bill in the state Assembly.