Kashmiri Pundits come together for annual fest with peace prayer

KOLKATA: There was no mistaking the strains of the 'Chani Lolich Dagadari' - a favourite number of perhaps every Kashmiri pundit who was displaced from the Valley. As Kashmiri Pundits of the city got together on Sunday at the Kashmir Bhawan at Salt Lake, for their annual festivities after Shivratri, the refrain one heard was the desire for peace that ruled the Valley till three decades ago, because of Hindu-Muslim harmony.

Shivratri is the biggest festival of the Kashmiri Hindus (Pundits/Brahmins). Immediately after that, 'Salaam Mubarak' starts, which is what was observed on Sunday. It is a time when Muslims visit their Hindu neighbours, seeking prasad and dry fruits in an effort to bond. "This has changed today. The powers at the Centre need to find out why such a centuries-old tradition changed," said Narendra Kaul, spokesperson of the Association.

Shivratri, called 'Herat' in Kashmiri, is observed in homes, but the following Sunday, community members assemble for feasting, games and long leisurely chats. The food is largely traditional and includes offerings that are made to the deity on Shivratri. Interestingly, much of this is non-vegetarian. Members explained that it is the Kashmiri pundits alone who offer non-veg food as prasad to Shiva.

"Pundits are settled outside the Valley all over the country. They are not included in the peace dialogues anywhere. Pluralistic ethos need to be restored to bring back peace," he reasoned.