Mahashivaratri, celebrated as a day of the wedding of Lord Shiva and Parvati, by Hindus across the world has brought the Muslims and Hindus of Kashmir closer.

Going by the greetings extended by the Muslims to their Kashmiri Hindu friends, who have been living in exile after their mass exodus in view of terrorism for 30 years, on the social media, it’s a heartwarming development. The day is called ‘Herath’ in Kashmir and it’s the biggest festival of Kashmiri Pandits.

Families perform symbolic marriage of the Shiva and Parvati in their homes followed by throwing a party of mostly fish and mutton dishes for their Muslims neighbours and friends. Unlike a day-long celebration in rest of the world Herath is a four day festival the warming up of which begins with the thorough cleaning of the house and playing of cards and a unique game of gambling with sea shells, by both men, women and even children.

This year the Shankracharya temple of Lord Shiva in Srinagar city is decked with illuminations and its drone visuals are being shared by all on the social media. Sharing the video clip, Mayor of Srinagar Junaid Azim shared its picture and it went viral::

Shankaracharya Temple in Srinagar tonight on the occasion of Herath/Mahashivratri! #Herath #Srinagar #Mahashivratri pic.twitter.com/UycgUeKLNs

— Junaid Azim Mattu (@Junaid_Mattu) March 10, 2021