Religious practices and celebrations

Shivaratri is a very important day for Kashmiri Pandits. On this day, Shiva married Parvati, the goddess of motherhood. On this day, people pray at night, which is called Pooja. Offerings of fruits, nuts, sweets and milk are made to Shiva, and many people do Yoga. 

Diwali is easily the most important holiday in Hinduism, and for Kashmiri Pandits, this is no exception. On this day, the return of the god Rama is celebrated, which is why people light lights outside, in order to guide him home. 

For Hindus, this holiday symbolizes good over evil, as on this day, the demon goddess Holika died in a fire in attempting to kill her nephew, Prahlada. She was supposedly immune to fire, but her nephew had the blessing of Shiva, which, in a turn of fate, ended up killing her instead. on this day, people celebrate by throwing colors at each other and having a good time. 

Ganesh Chaturthi celebrates the birth of Ganesha, the god of prosperity, wisdom, and removal of obstacles. People celebrate this holiday for 11 days and make staues of Ganesh and worship them, as well as leaving offerings for him. 

Janamashtami is a very important holiday for Kashmiri Pandits, because it celebrates the birth of Shiva, and Kashmiri Pandits deeply worship Shiva. People honor this day by fasting and doing pooja for him. 

Kashmiri Pandits have one very unique ceremony, and that is called Mekhal. Surprisingly, only boys do it. In many ways, it is like a Bar Mitzvah, but instead of reaching adulthood, it's traditionally done when a boy was sent off for higher education for a few years and would come back home much wiser and scholarly.