Srinagar, February 15 Mahashivratri, also known as Herath in Kashmir, was celebrated with great religious enthusiasm across the valley on Sunday as Kashmiri Pandits visited temples to offer prayers.
The largest gathering took place at the Shankaracharya Temple, which overlooks the Dal Lake. Multi-colored lights illuminated the temple, and the air was filled with chants from the devotees.
A large number of people, including tourists, paid their respects, offering flowers and fruits to the deity and seeking his blessings.
The occasion was also observed at other temples throughout the Kashmir valley.
Herath, which means the "night of Hara" (Lord Shiva), is an important festival for the Kashmiri Pandit community. It is observed on the 13th day of the dark fortnight of the lunar month of Phalguna, and marks the divine wedding of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
An essential ritual of Herath involves soaking walnuts in clay vessels, symbolizing fertility, prosperity, and divine blessings.
"This festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Bihar and other places. We feel blessed to be here on this occasion," said Pooja, a tourist from Bihar.
Another tourist, Upesh, said they had planned their trip to Kashmir specifically for the festival. "We feel blessed to have darshan here today," he added.