Navreh Mubarak: Heritage, Family, & Tradition on Kashmiri New Year

Navreh Mubarak! or happy Kashmiri New Year ~

The night before Navreh, we prepare a thaal (a platter) dedicated to the goddess Durga, or Shakti. The thaal is full of offerings — rice, curd, walnuts, a mirror, a pen and ink container, coins, salt, and bread. On Navreh morning, we gather together, uncover the thaal, and view it together.

My Navreh Thaali

The rice and coins represent daily sustenance and wealth — prosperity and abundance for the coming year. The pen and ink pot center intellectual pursuits and emphasize the importance of continuous education. The mirror invites introspection — looking back at the year gone by and reflecting on the lessons learned, which we carry forward into the new year. The deity symbolizes the constant nature of the divine. The rice is offered to the goddess at the temple; the walnuts are thrown into a river after viewing the thaal, and represent gratitude for the blessings received.

Navreh is a way to honor my ancestors — acknowledging and expressing gratitude for where I have come from, while looking ahead -- a moment within the cyclical nature of time. It’s an opportunity to centre Sarojini and myself within heritage and community. And is a reminder to move forward with love, gratitude, and joy. This year, for the first time, Sarojini prepared her own thaal. Even with all the same elements, thaals reflect the visions and futures of the person who prepares them. It was so joyous to see her continue this tradition, and begin it for herself.

Sarojini's Thaali

I was passionate,

filled with longing,

I searched

far and wide.

But the day

that the Truthful One

found me,

I was at home.

-- Lal Ded, I was Passionate, translated by Jane Hirshfield

Happy Navreh, Ugadi, and Eid — sending love and joy,

Sonya