Once again we celebrated Herath with great enthusiasm and religious fervor. The function observed in the most traditional, but memorable way, was well attended by over 75 members at the Bastrop state park campsite, near Austin, Texas from March 13 to 15.It was the mute reminder of the days in Kashmir, where Herath was observed both as religious as well as social get together for about three weeks, and those who were out of valley on jobs or study, would make it a point to be home for Mahashivratri.
We all gathered, like a big family, from Houston, Austin, Dallas and Arkansas, on Friday, March 13, in spite of the chilly winds and continuous rain. Nothing dampened the spirits of the campers who were looking forward to spend great time amidst the people with whom they didn't only share a common cultural heritage and language, but also a common past and the recent agony.
Bastrop looked more like a place in Kashmir with long pine trees, lush green environs, verdant grass, cool breeze and Kashmiri speaking people from all corners. After quick introductions and dinner everybody was in an ecstatic mood and ready for singing Kashmiri bhajans and folk songs over numerous cups of aromatic kehwa. No one cared about the slipping away of night, not even 2-3 year old kids, who were wide awake and thrilled.
Group barracks with 90 bunk beds were reserved but everyone wanted to spend more and more time in the common hall together.
Next day was Sont, so keeping up with the traditions, a THAL with rice, dollar coin, curd in an hallow cup, a few walnuts, a pen case, salt and flowers was prepared during the night. This thal had to be shown to all in the morning. The memory of Sont in Kashmir, when we were all carefree and had our homes and hearths intact, made everyone nostalgic. The inquisitive kids kept asking the relevance of the day till they were satisfied.
Later we had a good breakfast, which was a rare treat, not because of the menu alone, but because it was prepared exclusively by men. Well!!!! not by force :) they were gracious enough to switch places just to let women have a great time. They prepared everything during the entire camp. Hats off to them !!!!!!.
Soon after the breakfast, started the activities. In spite of the drizzle, some played Cricket gripping the attention of the spectators, a few went for hiking while others were busy with barbecue. But soon rain disrupted the activities and forced everyone to stay inside, where they didn't stop but continued their fun by playing card games, carom or indulged in shear gossip, while some were busy with pooja and cooking preparations for the evening.
Vatuka Puja started at 6 PM and continued for over two hours. Walnuts were soaked inside a Natu (pot) filled with water to symbolize shiva. It was surrounded by other pictures of Shiva and Parvati, the place resembled a temple. Printed Puja pamphlets were given to all for reading the hymns. This was followed by Arti and then breaking of walnuts for Prasaad along with chotchawor (rice flour bread) . Small kids stayed quiet during puja and were softly repeating hymns with their folded hands before Lord Shiva. Well, they were soon rewarded, as all of them got Herath Kharach !!!!!!!.
After Puja, one minutes silence was observed for the departed souls of Wandhama incident. Various community issues were discussed including sponsoring of the refugee kids. New president, Ms. Madhu Moza, was chosen for the Texas chapter, while the outgoing president Ms. Anita Kaul was appreciated for her dedicated work throughout the year.
For rest of the evening, a professional singer was arranged along with her group. Starting with a few Shiva Bhajans, she went on with great melodious old hits and a few new ones too. Her enchanting voice and background music compelled one and all to dance at her tunes. She enthralled us with her sonorous voice till midnight and even then none of us looked weary, sleep was miles away from our eyes, no one wanted to end the fun or even look at their watches. If only time could stop, everybody wished :) !!!.
Early next morning there were long queues for Kehwa and crisp hot Chirchot in the hall, everyone wanted to eat more and more chirchot. And the chirchot makers kept cooking them non stop for three long hours, without a frown on their forehead. Their patience was really admirable.
After eating countless chirchot everyone hit the hiking trails and walked a few miles just to get ready for the Lunch ahead, after which we all had to disperse.
Saying good-bye, as usual, was not easy. No one really wanted this splendid moment to end and go back to their routines and isolated worlds. But as all good things end, so did our camp, leaving behind a treasure of everlasting memories. We all packed with the hope to meet again in greater numbers, just like a well knit large family, more often, for more festivity and amusement.
Regards
Seema Kachru
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