Srinagar/Jammu, Feb 14: Political and religious leaders across Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday extended warm greetings to the people, particularly the Kashmiri Pandit community, on the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivaratri (Herath), emphasising communal harmony, peace and mutual respect.
As per the statements issued here, Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Cooperatives and Election Department Javid Ahmad Dar conveyed his heartfelt wishes to all citizens celebrating the sacred festival. He said the occasion symbolises devotion, faith, harmony and the triumph of righteousness.
Dar expressed hope that the festival would usher in peace, prosperity and happiness in every household across the Union Territory and said such occasions strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and communal harmony among diverse communities.
He also prayed for the well-being of the people and reiterated the government’s commitment to inclusive development, rural prosperity, agricultural growth and strengthening grassroots democratic institutions, urging people to celebrate the festival with traditional fervour while upholding unity, compassion and social harmony.
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary also extended greetings, stating that the festival holds immense religious significance and is celebrated with devotion and gaiety across Jammu and Kashmir. He prayed for peace, prosperity and well-being of all and called upon people to imbibe the teachings of Lord Shiva and promote love, unity and mutual respect, asserting that Jammu and Kashmir has always stood for communal amity and togetherness.
Meanwhile, Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Dr Molvi Muhammad Umar Farooq extended greetings to the Kashmiri Pandit community on the occasion of Herath. He said such occasions remind people of shared values of peaceful coexistence, mutual respect and brotherhood that form an integral part of Kashmir’s cultural and religious ethos.
The Mirwaiz also expressed grief over the demise of Mohammad Sultan Shah of Chandpora, Jama Masjid Srinagar, and Mohammad Rajab Dar of Mir Colony, Lal Bazar, and prayed for eternal peace to the departed souls and strength to their families.
