By: Rajinder Premi
Maha Shivratri is the most sacred festival of Kashmiri Pandits. Scrupulously, this festival is observed by the Kashmiri Pandits to seek blessings of the cosmic vision of Shiva and Parvati.
Since the majority of the Kashmiri Pandits are followers of Shiva, so Maha Shivratri festival is observed for 15 days, beginning with the ‘Parva’ of Hurya Okdoh or Krishna Paksha Pratipda– wanning moon to the ‘Parva.of waxing moon, which is Amasya.
Much before the festival does actually occur, houses are cleaned, new- utensils are bought and other household things are put in order, for the glorious arrival ofthe Vatak -Raaza..
One new dress for the main Puja is set aside, and thorough preparations are made and a collection of eatables and edibles , fruits and sweets are made.
Each day has a special name and religious function to be observed, which includes the social get-up, and interaction with friends, neigbours and relatives.
Shivratri Puja is known as the Vatuk -Puja .
Regular cleanliness starts from Huri -Okhdoh and continues up to Ashtmi, also revered as the Huri shtami. Huri Navmi is also a prelude to the function. Dashmi is called ‘Diyaar- Dhaham’ .
On this day usually married daughters come to their parental houses to participate in this social ‘At Home; for enjoying the special feast. But essentially they are given fresh- clothes, a salt-packet, Kangri, Khadaon and zang/aath-gath which starts from a minimum one rupee coin. It is also known as the Noon, Tsocha Tu Atagatha.
Our Shivratri puja is known and revered as the Vatuk Pooza. On the eleventh- day, known as the Daad Kah, mostly, the Pandit families cook the fish. The puja- room called Vatuk-Kuth is fully decorated with photos, pictures of Shiva parivar, properly garlanded and nicely decorated. We call this day Waguri-Baah and some families offer puja to the Vatuk.
On 12th day is the day of Ganesh -puja, in association with the Wagura is invoked according to the family tradition.
On this day a pot-filled with Gangajal is also worshipped and that is revered as the Wagur. The Trayodashi or 13th day is the actual day of Mahashivratri.
This 13th Tithi or day of festival is known by the name of Herath, by the Kashmiri Pandit community which is celebrated with indescribable zest and joy.
We Kashmiris generally believe that the marriage of Shiva and Parvati is being celebrated on this day of Herath / Mahashivratri.
Vatak Raza is decorated in the Vatuk-Kuth. Mostly these are earthen pots / pitchers filled with nuts, soaked in water and flowers representing Shiva and Shakti.
Then a definite number of small earthen pots containing walnuts in water symbolises other deities/baraatis. This is as per the family tradition.These pitchers and pots collectively are called the Vatuk.
Vatuk Raaza is the presiding-deity. There is a set form of Puja / worship in each or in a group of our homes. Mostly, the heads of the family observe fast on Shivratri. After the worship/ Puja as well as fast ,Prasada is taken at midnight. The Puja is done according to the Tantrik way. It takes 3-4 hours to perform the whole Puja in a celebrated manner.
On the 14th day i.e. second day of Vatuk, usually called “salam'” the daughters and sons-in -law are invited by the parents. It is a day of grand- feast and festivity.
Money called “Hearch-kharach” and other presents are given to all younger ones. People greet each other and send Naiveed to each other.
The 15th day heralds the end of this auspicious festival. All the earthen pots are collected. Deepak is also given a leave. Flowers and garlands and other decorations offered to the Vatak Raaja, are put off from them ,which are usually immersed in the nearest lake or river.
The end comes in the form of Vatuk- Parmuzun. Prasada in the form of Watak Duni and Tomul Tsot or Roti is distributed among all the neighbours and relations.
Thus comes this grand religious function to an end of the Kashmiri Pandit version of Heart/ Mahashivratri.
