Jammu: LG Manoj Sinha, CM Omar Abdullah, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Chowdhry, Health Minister Sakina Itoo and Agriculture Minister Javed Ahmad Dar have in their separate greeting messages extended heartiest greetings to the people on the occasion of Mahashivratri, which will be celebrated today on Wednesday February 26.
In his message of greeting the Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said: “On the auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri, I convey my hearty greetings and felicitations to all and wish them health, happiness and prosperity.The sacred festival, celebrated as ‘Herath’ by Kashmiri Pandit community, is an occasion to rededicate ourselves to a life of commitment, truth, brotherhood and compassion. It is a celebration of devotion, divinity and symbolises our inner journey to rise to higher levels of consciousness.I pray to Lord Shiva to guide us on the path of righteousness and shower His blessings on all of us for years to come”.
In his message of greetings Chief Minister Omar Abdullah described the festival as a joyous occasion, symbolizing faith, devotion and a moment of spiritual renewal.He prayed for the sacred festival to bring peace, prosperity and divine blessings to every home and to all those celebrating.The Chief Minister also conveyed his greetings through his official X account, posting: “Wishing everyone a joyous and blessed Herath! May this sacred festival bring peace, prosperity, and divine blessings to every home. Herath Mubarak!”
In his greeting message the Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Chowdhry, while emphasising the spiritual significance of the occasion, said that the festival is celebrated with all devotion and religious fervour in the region. He said that it symbolises unity and togetherness fostering inclusivity and mutual brotherhood. The Deputy Chief Minister further expressed hope that the festival would bring joy, prosperity and well-being to people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Greeting people on the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivratri also celebrated as Herath in Kashmir, Minister for Agriculture Production and Rural Development, Javed Ahmad Dar highlighting the significance of the festival, which is celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm across both Kashmir and Jammu regions, the Minister said that the festival hold deep cultural and spiritual importance for devotees, symbolising faith, unity and the spirit of togetherness.He emphasized that such festivals reinforce the values of peace, harmony and the idea of co-existence among different communities. “These occasions remind us of our rich cultural heritage and the need to uphold communal harmony. Such auspicious occasions serve as a unifying force, bringing people together beyond religious and regional boundaries,” he said. The Minister also underscored the role of traditional celebrations in fostering goodwill and mutual respect among all sections of the society. He expressed hope that the festival would bring happiness, prosperity and well-being to every household in Jammu and Kashmir. He urged upon the people to pray for lasting peace, development and brotherhood in the region. “May this festival strengthen the bonds of love and mutual understanding among us and inspire us to work towards a more peaceful and prosperous Jammu and Kashmir,” the Minister added.
In her message, the Health Minister Minister Sakina Itoo described the festival as a sacred occasion to rededicate oneself to live a virtuous life. She added that Herath holds a special place in the history, culture and pluralistic ethos of Jammu and Kashmir. Sakeena said that the warmth with which Herath is celebrated across J&K, defines the communal harmony Jammu and Kashmir is known for. The Minister also prayed for peace, progress and prosperity of entire Jammu and Kashmir.
