Srinagar, Feb. 16 -- Devotees thronged Shankaracharya Temple on Sunday to celebrate Mahashivratri or Herath as it is known here in Kashmir.

Though the festival was celebrated with religious fervour across the valley as Kashmiri Pandits visited temples to offer prayers, the largest gathering took place at Shankaracharya Temple, which overlooks the Dal Lake. Multi-coloured lights illuminated the temple, and the air resonated with chants from the devotees.

A large number of people, including tourists, paid their respects, offering flowers and fruits to the deity and seeking his blessings.

The occasion was also observed at other temples throughout the Kashmir valley.

Herath, which means the "night of Hara" (Lord Shiva), is an important fe...