In the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, Maha Shivratri, known as 'Herath' in Kashmir, a three-day festival, is being celebrated with religious fervour and gaiety across J&K by Kashmiri Pandits who pay obeisance to "Watak Nath" and offer pooja archana to Lord Shiva on this auspicious occasion. The biggest gathering in Kashmir was held yesterday at Shri Shankaracharya ji Temple in Srinagar where devotees since early morning hours were seen thronging the Temple to pay their obeisance to Lord Shiva. The temple authorities at Ganpatyaar Temple in Habba Kadal, Hanuman Temple at Amira Kadal in Srinagar and Martand Tirath in Mattan Anantnag also held special prayers throughout the day. Hundreds of devotees also thronged Mata Kheer Bhawani temple at Tullamulla in district Ganderbal yesterday. The temples are decorated with different colours and flowers. The Herath festival is also being celebrated in the other parts of the Kashmir Valley.<br />''<br />''Herath festival holds colossal importance among the Kashmiri Pandit community, who celebrate it to mark the wedding of Lord Shiva with Mata Parvati. On this auspicious festival, the Kashmiri Pandits distribute soaked walnuts as a mark of respect to the Hindu deities which are subsequently given as "prasad" among friends, relatives etc. after worshipping the "Watak Nath" at their homes for three days and three nights.<br />''<br />''During 'Herath' families of Kashmiri Pandits gather for elaborate prayers and celebrations. The festival has been a symbol of communal harmony for ages in the Kashmir Valley. Today, the second day of Herath is known as 'Salaam' when on this day, Muslims greet their Kashmiri Pandit brethren on this auspicious occasion.<br />