Navreh 2023: Kashmiri New Year Date, Goddess Sharika, Quotes, Wishes & Celebrations

Navreh is a festival celebrated by the Kashmiri Hindus, Kashmiri Pandits to be more specific, that marks the beginning of Kashmiri New Year. The word ‘Navreh’ is derived from two Sanskrit words, ‘Nava Varsha’, which mean the New Year. Goddess Sharika, who is believed to be the form of Goddess Durga, is worshiped on the occasion of Navreh festival. Navreh is celebrated with great joy as well as devotion by the Kashmiri Hindus all over the country. Important details related to Navreh 2023 such as its celebration, significance, upcoming date, etc are discussed in this article below.

Navreh 2023 Date

According to the Hindu calendar, Navreh is observed on the first day of Shukla Paksha in the month of Chaitra. It usually falls in the March or April month of the Gregorian calendar. Calculated as per the Hindu calendar, in the year 2023, Navreh will be observed on Wednesday, 22nd March. The date might be subject to variation of 1 or 2 days.

Who are Kashmiri Pandits?

Kashmiri Hindus are ethnic Kashmiris and the native of Kashmir Valley of India who practice Hinduism. Kashmiri Hindus who are a part of the Saraswat Brahmin community of India are known as Kashmiri Pandits. The Kashmiri Pandits are also known as Kashmiri Brahmins.

Goddess Sharika

Goddess Sharika is the primary deity of Kashmiri Pandits who is worshiped on the occasion of Navreh. According to a legend, Kashmir was once a vast lake of water and was known as Satisar (believed to be the abode of Goddess Sati, wife of Lord Shiva). Near the lake a demon known as Jalodbhav was residing. Troubled by the demon, the people of Satisar prayed to Goddess Parvati (wife of Shiva and reincarnation of Sati) for his elimination. She took the form of herr bird (maina) and picked a pebble in her beak. She then dropped the pebble on the demon which grew larger and larger and crushed Jalodbhav to death. The stone that killed the demon came to be known as Sharikaparbat or Hariparbat.

History of Navreh Festival

It is believed that more than 5000 years ago, on the day of Navreha, Saptarishi era of the Kashmiri Hindus started. Saptrishis gathered at the Sharika Parabata on this very day to praise and worship Goddess Sharika at her abode. Also, on this day, the first ray of sun fell on Chakreshwari and paid honor to Goddess Sharika.

Navreh Rituals & Celebrations

On the eve of Navreh, a large plate (bronze plate is considered most auspicious) is filled with offerings like rice, flowers, wye herb, new grass, curd, walnuts, coins, salt, cooked rice, pen, bread, etc. The next day, i.e. on the day of Navreh, the plate is uncovered with the whole family together and people see the contents of the plate at the Brahma Muhurat. After seeing the plate, each person eats the bitter wye herb along with a walnut to remind themselves of the bitter aspect of life along with the good. Rest walnuts are dropped in the river as a sign of thanksgiving. Families visit temples of Goddess Sharika to offer her  turmeric rice in ghee and seek her blessings.

Navreh 2023 Quotes & Wishes

Below here are given some new year wishes to exchange with your friends and family on the occasion of Navreh, the Kashmiri New Year 2023.

1. May God always keep you and your family happy and healthy. Wish you a very happy Navreh.
2. The beginning of new year brings new hopes and dreams. May your dreams come true this year. Navreh Mubarak.
3. May this happy occasion of Navreh bring prosperity and good health to you! Navreh Mubarak.
4. May the auspicious occasion of Navreh bring you many joy and happiness. Wish you a Happy Navreh!
5. This Navreh, may the darkness of negativity fade away from your life, and positive things approach you. Happy Navreh.
6. May God keep you and your family happy and healthy throughout the year. Have a blissful new year.
7. May this new year brings happiness, health and prosperity to you. Wish a very happy Navreh.
8. Sending you the blessing of God in this new year. Have a wonderful new year. Happy Navreh.
9. May you and your family be blessed with another year full of happiness and laughter. Wishing you a happy new year.
10. Enjoy every day of the new year and seek blessings from God. A very happy new year!!

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