Srinagar, Feb 11: Mahashivratri or the ‘The Night of Shiva’ would be observed with religious fervour across the state Friday. The festival is being celebrated as Hairath by the Kashmiri Pandits.
The festival is being celebrated in honour of Lord Shiva, a Hindu deity. Shivaratri falls on the moonless 14th night of the new moon in the Hindu month of Phalgun. Shivratri devotees observe day and night fast and perform ritual worship of Shiva Lingam to appease Lord Shiva.
 The festival symbolizes the values of piety, devotion, brotherhood and harmony. Shivratri pooja is being held in temples across the state.
 Governor, N N Vohra, Chief minister, Omar Abdullah, deputy chief minister, Tara Chand and ministers greeted people on the occasion.
 In his felicitation message, Omar said that J&K has a rich tradition of celebrating festivals with amity, brotherhood and harmony. He said Hairath also symbolizes traditional bonds of love between Hindus and Muslims.
 Former Chief Minister, Mufti Muhammad Sayed and Peoples Democratic Party president, Mehbooba Mufti have also greeted the people on the eve of Mahashivratri.
 They hoped that it would usher a new era of peace and prosperity.

GKNN ADDS FROM JAMMU
 Deputy Chief Minister, Tara Chand, Thursday inaugurated the revered Shiv Khori Mela amid prayers and religious oblations at Ransoo, the base camp of holy cave shrine of Shiv Khori, about 130 kms from Jammu.
 Whishing lasting peace and prosperity in the state of Jammu & Kashmir, the Deputy Chief Minister said that all efforts are being made for the promotion and beautification of Shiv Khori Shrine, which is now, by all measures, emerging as the second most important pilgrimage destination in Jammu region after Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine.
 According to Mela Officer, over 15,000 pilgrims had darshan of Shiva Langam till 7 pm on the first day of Mela.

Lastupdate on : Thu, 11 Feb 2010 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Thu, 11 Feb 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Fri, 12 Feb 2010 00:00:00 IST