The Hindu community in Kashmir, along with visiting tourists, celebrated Mahashivratri on Wednesday with prayers and rituals at various temples across the valley.
Local Hindus, a minority in Kashmir, gathered early in the morning at the historic Shankaracharya Temple atop the Zabarwan hills in Srinagar to offer prayers to Lord Shiva. Officials said dozens of tourists also visited the temple to mark the occasion. Devotees were also seen at the Martand Sun Temple in Anantnag, offering prayers in celebration of the festival.
Jammu Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah extended his greetings to the Hindu community, expressing his wishes for peace and prosperity.
“Wishing everyone a blessed and Happy Mahashivratri! May this sacred occasion bring peace, prosperity, and divine blessings to all and guide us towards strength, wisdom, and harmony,” he wrote on X.
Hurriyat Conference Chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq also extended wishes to the Kashmiri Pandit community on the occasion of Herath, which they observe a day ahead of Mahashivratri.
“Warm greetings to our Kashmiri Pandit brethren on the occasion of Herath. Pray for the restoration of the bond of love and coexistence that is an inherent component of our shared heritage,” Mirwaiz posted on X.
The festival, deeply rooted in Kashmir’s cultural heritage, continues to be celebrated with devotion despite demographic and political changes in the region.
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