Kaw Punim

Kaw Punim is one of the unique festivals of the Kashmiri Hindus. The full moon of the lunar month Magha is also known as Purnima of the crow. Two sticks are tied in the shape of a cross and on the open ends of the cross grass is woven to make a long handled flat spoon. Again after some pooja, yellow rice is served on this spoon to be offered to the crow. The children sing a melodious song while making the offering to the crow. The song loosely translated reads thus:

Kaw Bhatt Kawo,
Khechrey Kawo.
Gangabala Sharana Karith,
Gurey Mechey Tyoka Karith.
Walbha Saney Larey Pyeth,
Dal Bata Khyene

(O clever crow;  
O, the lover of khichri, crow;  
Come to our new house along with your spouse;  
Be seated on the threshold of our roof – 
And partake of the salty pudding)

This festival is indicative of the love that the Kashmiris have had for the birds and the care they took of them. It may be worth mentioning that every Kashmiri household will scatter some cooked rice on a wooden shelf kept outside the house everyday before serving food to any member of the house. This shelf kept near the top right hand corner of the window is called Kaw paet - a shelf for the crow. Likewise every person keeps apart a little rice from his or her plate to be fed to the dogs. This is called Hoonya myet - the roll of rice for the dog. This shows the compassionate nature of the Kashmiris for the animal world. No doubt the Gita defines a Pandit as one who treats equally a well read Brahmin, a cow, an elephant, a dog and a downcast chandala who devours dog-flesh.