Herath Mubarak greeting card
A greeting for Herath, the Kashmiri Pandit Mahashivratri, to share on WhatsApp.
Herath: the Kashmiri Pandit Mahashivratri
Herath (also written Haerath or Hairath) is the Kashmiri Pandits' Mahashivratri, and for many families the most important festival of the year. It is celebrated over several days in the month of Phalgun, and the main worship falls on the night of trayodashi, the 13th day of the dark fortnight.
At the heart of Herath is the Vatuk puja. Earthen or metal vessels representing Vatuk Bhairav, Shiv and Parvati and their companions are filled with water and walnuts and worshipped through the night. The soaked walnuts, called doon, are later shared among family, friends and neighbours as blessed food.
Salaam: the day after Herath
The day after Herath is known as Salaam. In the valley, Muslim neighbours would visit Pandit homes to offer greetings, giving the day its name, and it became a day of visits, greetings and goodwill. The Herath greeting is 'Herath Mubarak'.
Herath Mubarak wishes you can use
- May Shiv and Parvati bless your home with health, happiness and prosperity. Herath Mubarak!
- Wishing you and your family a blessed Herath, and a home always full of warmth.
- May the blessings of Vatuk Bhairav stay with your family all year. Herath Mubarak!
- On this Herath, may every doon you share bring love and good fortune back to you.
- Herath Mubarak from our family to yours, with love and prayers for a happy year.
How to make your Herath card
- 1
Start from the example
The card opens with 'Herath Mubarak' and a blessing ready.
- 2
Personalise it
Change the message (or paste one of the wishes above) and add your family's name.
- 3
Pick a design
Chinar in navy or maroon looks lovely for a festival night.
- 4
Share it
Download the square image and send it on WhatsApp or post it as your status.
Frequently asked questions
What is Herath?
Herath is the Kashmiri Pandit celebration of Mahashivratri, marked by the Vatuk puja, the worship of vessels filled with water and walnuts representing Vatuk Bhairav, Shiv and Parvati.
Why is Herath celebrated on trayodashi?
Kashmiri Pandits perform the main Herath puja on the night of trayodashi, the 13th day of the dark fortnight of Phalgun, which is why it can fall a day before Mahashivratri as observed elsewhere.
What is doon?
Doon are the walnuts soaked in the Vatuk vessel during the puja. They are shared afterwards as blessed food among family, friends and neighbours.
What is Salaam after Herath?
Salaam is the day after Herath, a day of visits and greetings. The name recalls Muslim neighbours in the valley visiting Pandit homes to offer their good wishes.
How do you wish someone on Herath?
The traditional greeting is 'Herath Mubarak'.
Is my information uploaded or stored anywhere?
No. Everything you type is saved only in your own browser on your device, and the PDF and image are created on your device too. There are no accounts, and nothing is sent to our servers.