The
Festivals of the Kashmiri Pandits
The
pious and compassionate Kashmiri Rishis did not neglect the
nagas and rakshasas who were the original tribesmen living in
this land. They made arrangements to satisfy their needs acid
requirements from time to time.
Yagneopavit
Yagnopavit
is symbolic of the initiation of a householder into performing
his threefold duties to the household, to his devas, and to
his pitras - hence the three strands with brahmagandh or
divine knot and three ways of wearing it.
A
Kashmiri Pandit Marriage
Kashmiris
first match the teknis (horoscopes) of the prospective bride and
groom. Besides this, the other factors which are taken into
consideration while selecting a match are the background, status
and moral character of the family of the prospective match and
their close relatives.
Shivratri
(Herath)
Shivratri
is the crown of our festivals, and is spread over a full
fortnight of the Phalguna month. Among the KPs this is known
as Herath, a phonetic derivation of Har-ratri the night of
Hara (Shiva). It is a socio-religious function that is the
very part of our life.
Navreh
Navreh
is the lunar new year which is celebrated in Kashmir and many
other parts of the country. This coincides with the first day
of the Chaitra (spring) Navratras.
Pun
Deun
This
is a traditional celebration which almost all Kashmiri
families celebrate in the month of Bhadron (August/September)
by preparing very delicious Roths of wheat pan-cakes) which
are fried in Ghee (Butter).