Subject: [world-vedic] Kashmiri Shivratri Date: 21.2.2004 8:00 From): "vrnparker" To: vediculture@yahoogroups.com Mahashivratri -- Celebrations in Kashmir In Kashmir, since the majority of Kashmiri Pandits are followers of Shiva, Mahashivratri festival is observed for fifteen days beginning with parva of the waning moon to parva of waxing moon. Shivratri is most scrupulously observed by the Kashmiri Pandits. Much before the festival houses are cleaned. New clothes, utensils and other household things are brought. One new dress for the main puja is set aside. They make thorough preparations and collect eatables, fruits and sweets. Each day or a group of days has a special name and religious function which include social performances also. The Shivratri puja is known as "vatuk puja". On the 11th day, puja room is decorated with all pictures of gods and goddess. The 12th day is the day of Ganesh puja. In this puja a pot filled with Ganga jal (water) is also worshiped. The 13th day is the actual day of Mahashivratri. The thirteenth day of this festival in Kashmir is known by the name of HERATH which is celebrated with indescribable zest and joy. The Kashmiris believe that the marriage of Shiva and Parvati was celebrated on the day of Herath. Two earthen pitchers filled with nuts soaked in water and flowers represent Siva and Shakti. Then a definite number of small earthen pots containing a nut and water symbolise the Ganas and other deities. These pitchers and pots, collectively are called Vatuk. There is a set form of worship in each or in a group of Kashmiri Pandits' homes. After the fast and worship, prasad is taken about mid-night. On the 14th day, the daughters and son-in-law are invited by the parents. It is a day of grand feast. This day is similar to Diwali. Money or presents are given to younger ones. People greet each other and send sweets and prasad. This day is known as Dyra Daham. The fifteenth day heralds the end of the festival. All the earthen pots are collected and immersed in the nearest river or lake. Rotis are made of rice flour and soaked walnuts are distributed as prasad to the members of the community. In the evening they play local fire works called 'Ja-tun-tun'. Thus comes to an end the Kashmiri Pandit version of Herath, the Mahashivratri of India. Subject: [world-vedic] Kashmir Celebrates Mahashivratri Date: Tue, 12 Mar 2002 21:21:18 -0000 From: Vedic Kashmir Reports Reply-To: vediculture@yahoogroups.com To: vediculture@yahoogroups.com Mahashivratri -- Celebrations in Kashmir In Kashmir, since the majority of Kashmiri Pandits are followers of Shiva, Mahashivratri festival is observed for fifteen days beginning with parva of the waning moon to parva of waxing moon. Shivratri is most scrupulously observed by the Kashmiri Pandits. Much before the festival houses are cleaned. New clothes, utensils and other household things are brought. One new dress for the main puja is set aside. They make thorough preparations and collect eatables, fruits and sweets. Each day or a group of days has a special name and religious function which include social performances also. The Shivratri puja is known as "vatuk puja". On the 11th day, puja room is decorated with all pictures of gods and goddess. The 12th day is the day of Ganesh puja. In this puja a pot filled with Ganga jal (water ) is also worshipped. The 13th day is the actual day of Mahashivratri. The thirteenth day of this festival in Kashmir is known by the name of HERATH which is celebrated with indescribable zest and joy The Kashmiris believe that the marriage of Shiva and Parvati was celebrated on the day of Herath. Two earthen pitchers filled with nuts soaked in water and flowers represent Siva and Shakti. Then a definite number of small earthen pots containing a nut and water symbolise the Ghanas and other deities. These pitchers and pots, collectively are called Vatuk. There is a set form of worship in each or in a group of Kashmiri Pandits' homes. After the fast and worship, prasad is taken about mid-night. On the 14th day, the daughters and son-in-law are invited by the parents. It is a day of grand feast. This day is similar to Diwali. money or presents are given to younger ones. People greet each other and send sweets and prasad. This day is known as Dyra Daham. The fifteenth day heralds the end of the festival. All the earthen pots are collected and immersed in the nearest river or lake. Rotis are made of rice flour and soaked walnuts are distributed as prasad to the members of the community. In the evening they play local fire works called 'Ja-tun-tun'. Thus comes to an end the Kashmiri Pandit version of Herath, the Mahashivratri of India.