Mahashivaratri is on the most popular festivals of Hindus in Kashmir , especially that of Kashmiri Pandits. Herath 2025 date is February 26. In Jammu and Kashmir India
most important days are Thrathshi, Choutash, Amavas and Parva. The first two weeks are meant for preparing for Shivratri. House and surroundings are thoroughly cleaned and the puja requires several items especially numerous earthen pots.
Herath 2025 Important Dates
- Herath festival 2025 begins on the first day of Phalgun Krishna Paksha (February 13, 2025) and ends on the Amavasya day in Phalgun (February 26, 2025).
- In between there are numerous auspicious days like Hur Ashtami (February 21, 2025).
- The main rituals of Herath festival begins in February 21, 2025.
- Wager Bah (February 22, 2025).
- The important pujas are held on the Shivratri day (Shiv Chaturdashi) (February 26, 2025).
- The pujas culminate on the Amavasya day which is known as Doonya Amavasya (February 27, 2025).
Before starting the puja on the main day (two days before Amavasya), several earthen pots (even steel or brass) representing Shiva, Parvati, Ganesha and other gods in Hindu pantheon are neatly placed in the puja room. Two big pots represent Shiva and Parvati and small pots represent other deities and Shiva’s attendants. The pots are filled with walnuts and decorated with flowers. These pitchers are known as Vatuk and Shivratri puja is also known as Vatuk puja in Kashmir .
On the right is a picture/illustration of the Vatuk Mandap made during Kashmir Shivratri. (click on the image for a larger view)
The worship begins with special prayers to Lord Ganesha.
Sani Putul – a cone shaped clay figure – is worshipped as Brahman. Sani Putul is an attempt to represent the formless. Then Shiva and Parvati are worshipped and there is singing of hymns and Arati.
On the main day, people visit temples and spend time in worshipping. Many people also observe Vrat or Upvaas or strict fast.
The next is meant for celebration and feasting.
The pujas come to an end on the Amavasya day and the day is known as Dunya Amavas. The earthen pots which represent the various deities are taken to a nearby river or water body and are immersed. Before immersion the walnuts are removed from the pots and are brought back and are distributed as ‘prasad.’
Shivratri is also an occasion to socialize. Relatives and friends visit each others home and food items and ‘prasad’ are exchanged. Elders also distribute money to youngsters and this is known as ‘herath kharch.’
Shivratri is observed by Kashmiri Pundits in a similar way as Hindus in other parts of India