The gradual erosion of Kashmiri Pandit festivals and rituals is a pressing concern. This article explores the Lost festials and rituals of Kashmiri Pandits after being forced of Kashmir in 1990.
There was a time when the snow-covered evenings of Kashmir were filled with anticipation. We, as children, would eagerly wait for our Guru Ji, who moved from one house to another, guiding us through the sacred Mahashivratri Puja. Sometimes, as the night passed, we would drift into sleep, only to be gently awakened by our elders with the words, “Utho… Guru Ji aa gaye,” signalling the beginning of the night-long worship. The following morning was a time of excitement—Herath Kharach, the new notes, the delicious offerings made to the gods, and the joy of Salam, visiting homes to exchange greetings and indulging in the festive feasts. This was the essence of our community, woven into the fabric of our lives.
But now, in the wake of the exodus, those vibrant cultural celebrations are missing. The terror that drove us from our homeland has not just scattered our people but has also faded the rituals that once defined us. No longer do we wait for the Guru Ji on Mahashivratri; the streets are silent; the homes empty of the communal joy that once resonated through them. The holy songs and hymns that once filled the night air have been replaced by the cold, impersonal sound of recorded voices. Even the simple joy of decorating a Krishna Jhoola for Janmashtami, and carrying it to neighbouring villages for celebration, has been lost, substituted by the sterile glow of screens and the convenience of YouTube.
In this digital age, where technology has replaced tradition, the essence of our festivals is slipping away. What was once a living, breathing expression of our culture has become a shadow of its former self, reduced to formalities that lack the communal warmth and spiritual depth they once held. This erosion of tradition signifies more than just a loss of cultural practices; it marks a deeper loss of identity and a severing of the ties that once bound us together as a community. As we drift further from our roots, it becomes imperative to ask: What have we lost? And what are we still losing?
Other festivals were celebrated well. Families often visit temples dedicated to various gods and goddesses, such as the revered Kheer Bhawani temple, to offer their prayers and seek blessings. The vibrant atmosphere of these meals, coupled with the collective participation in rituals and worship, strengthens community bonds and celebrates the rich culture of Kashmiri religious traditions
The Kashmiri Pandits’ forced departure from our homeland has deeply changed how we celebrate our festivals and traditions. The once lively and colourful celebrations are now quieter and less frequent. With the community spread across different places, it’s harder to keep the old ways alive. Many of our festivals and rituals that were a big part of everyday life in Kashmir are now forgotten. The rich culture that flourished in the cold, beautiful Kashmir is slowly disappearing. What used to be joyful events that brought everyone together are now just memories for a small group of people. The strong connection to their past, which was once a big part of their lives, is now fading away.
Let’s discuss these Fading Festivals of Kashmiri Pandits
Our festivals and rituals were more than just celebrations; they were the very soul of our community, binding generations together with shared experiences and beliefs. Herath, for instance, was a sacred festival, a profound spiritual journey connecting us to our divine. For centuries, we Kashmiri Pandits celebrated Herath with unwavering devotion, particularly during the snowy month of Phalgun. The pristine white blanket covering the valley was a silent witness to our deep-rooted faith in Lord Shiva. It was a time of communal harmony, where families and neighbours came together, sharing laughter, food, and stories.
The forced exodus shattered this peaceful existence. The snow-clad valley, once a sanctuary of peace and spirituality, became a distant memory. With our community dispersed across different lands, the shared experiences that defined our identity began to fade. The younger generation, unfamiliar with the customs and traditions, found it challenging to connect with their roots.
Navreh, another significant festival marking the Kashmiri New Year, was a celebration of new beginnings. The Navreh Thali, prepared with meticulous care, symbolized hope and renewal. Each item placed on the Thali—rice representing prosperity, a pen and inkpot symbolizing knowledge, salt, flowers, and the traditional Panchang—held deep cultural and spiritual significance. The ritual of waking up to see the Navreh Thali first thing in the morning was a tradition passed down through generations, instilling a sense of continuity and connection with the past.
The ritual of Zang Trai, where Kashmiri Pandit women visited their parental homes and returned with Noon, Tchutt, and Atagat—salt, roti, and some cash—was a gesture filled with warmth and love. These simple acts were more than just customs; they were a way of strengthening familial bonds and preserving the community’s unity.
Khetchi Mavas, a ritual performed to ward off evil spirits, reflected the community’s deep belief in the interplay between the natural and supernatural worlds. The elaborate pujas during Herath were not merely acts of devotion; they were a celebration of family unity, a reaffirmation of the bonds that held the community together. Festivals like Gadda Batta, Monjhar Taher, Kaw Punim, and Shishur were more than just dates on a calendar—they were living traditions that brought meaning and purpose to the lives of Kashmiri Pandits.
Monjhar Taher, with its offering of yellow rice, was a prayer for prosperity. The festival of Kaw Punim, where offerings were made to crows as a mark of love for birds, connected the community with the natural world. Shishur, a special day for newborns and newlywed brides, involved rituals to protect them from the evil eye. Each of these festivals, each ritual, was a thread in the intricate tapestry of Kashmiri Pandit culture, binding the community together and reinforcing their shared identity.
Gadda Batta: Gadda Batta translates to “fish and rice.” This traditional offering takes place on any Tuesday or Saturday during the dark fortnight of the lunar month of Pausha. On these specific days, fish is specially prepared as an offering to the Ghar Devta, or the household deity. The ritual begins with preparing a sacred space in a room on the top floor of the house, where a plateful of rice and fish is placed as an offering. Some families choose to serve raw fish, adhering to traditional practices. This act of devotion is followed by a communal feast with family and friends, celebrating together and sharing the meal that honours the Ghar Devta. The event is not only a spiritual observance but also a time for strengthening familial bonds and cherishing moments with loved ones.
Jyeshtha Ashtami, also known as Zyeath-Atham, is a prominent Kashmiri festival dedicated to the goddess Ragnya Mata of the Kheer Bhawani temple in Tulmul, Ganderbal, Kashmir. This temple holds a significant place among Kashmiri Hindus. The festival, celebrated by Kashmiri Pandits and other local communities, features the Kheer Bhawani Mela. This event has evolved into a symbol of communal harmony and brotherhood in Kashmir, bringing together people of various backgrounds to honour the deity and celebrate their shared cultural heritage.
Pann , which translates to “Thread,” is a festival linked to the spinning of freshly produced cotton and the worship of the twin agricultural goddesses, Vibha and Garbha. Celebrated on Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayak Tchoram in Kashmir, this festival involves offering Roth, or sweet bread cakes, to the goddess.. The Pan Puja includes narrating a story similar to the Satyanarayana Katha, highlighting a blend of ritual practices. The preparation and distribution of Roths have become a significant aspect of Kashmiri Pandit religious customs, symbolizing the quest for prosperity and auspiciousness.
Vyatha Truvah: Vyatha Truvah is a significant festival dedicated to the worship of the river Vitasta, an important river in Kashmiri Hindu tradition. Celebrated with devotion and reverence, this day involves performing Puja (ritual worship) at the sacred ghats of the Vitasta River. The rituals include offering a variety of sacred items such as water, milk, vermillion, raw rice, and flowers to the river. These offerings are believed to honour the river’s divine essence and seek its blessings for prosperity and well-being.
The Gradual Erosion of Tradition
Our old ways of doing things are slowly disappearing. It’s a big problem because these traditions are a very important part of who we are. They used to be a strong and beautiful part of our lives, but now they are getting weaker. It’s not just about missing out on fun parties and celebrations. It’s about losing a deep connection to our past and who we are as a people.
Our festivals and traditions are like the threads that hold our community together. They are filled with stories, beliefs, and ways of life that have been passed down from our grandparents to us. When these traditions disappear, it’s like losing a piece of ourselves. We not only lose the fun parts of our culture but also the things that make us feel like we belong to something bigger than ourselves.
This erosion is not an isolated phenomenon but a reflection of broader challenges facing the Kashmiri Pandit community. Displacement, migration, and the pressures of modern life have played significant roles in this decline. For many, particularly the younger generation growing up far from their ancestral homeland, the connection to these traditions has weakened. In environments detached from the cultural context of their forebears, there is often a lack of awareness or understanding of the significance of these rituals. This growing disconnect threatens to sever the link between our past and present, diminishing our collective memory and cultural richness.
The Broader Impact on Community and Identity
The fading of these traditions has profound implications for our community. Festivals and rituals are far more than mere cultural expressions; they are vital for fostering social cohesion and maintaining a strong sense of community. These observances provide shared experiences that bring people together, reinforcing interpersonal bonds and creating a collective identity. As traditions wane, there is a tangible risk of fragmentation within the community. The absence of these unifying practices can lead to weakened ties among individuals, reducing the sense of shared identity and purpose. Over time, this fragmentation can erode community cohesion and diminish our collective cultural identity.
Moreover, the loss of these traditions represents a significant disconnection from our historical roots. Our rituals and festivals are not only celebrations but also living links to our ancestors. They honour our forebears and preserve their legacy, embedding their memories in our cultural practices. When these traditions are allowed to fade, we lose that essential connection to our past, along with a crucial part of our historical narrative. This disconnection is not just a loss of practices but a severance from the broader historical and cultural context that has defined us for generations.
Reclaiming Our Heritage: A Call to Action
The solution to this cultural crisis lies within our own hands. We must take active steps to revive and preserve our traditions. The challenge is to reignite the flame of our heritage, infuse new life into our festivals and rituals, and ensure their continued relevance and vitality.
Reclaiming our heritage begins with a deep and meaningful understanding of the traditions we seek to preserve. It is not sufficient to merely observe these practices; we must delve into their historical and cultural significance. This requires a concerted effort to educate ourselves and future generations about the importance of these rituals. By understanding their roots and meanings, we can foster a renewed sense of pride and commitment to our cultural practices. Engaging actively in the preservation of these traditions, through participation and education, will help ensure that they are not only maintained but also thrive. This collective effort will safeguard our cultural legacy and reinforce our sense of identity.
