In old times, the aborigines of this place were the tribals named Nagas, Pishachas and Yakshas, who used to go in summer towards Tibet and return to Kashmir in winter.
Because of the fear of these tribals, the Brahmins used to depart from the valley before the tribals returned. The Brahmins begin to reside in Kashmir permanently, only after they started giving presents to these Aborigines on specific festivals at the suggestion of Nila Nag, the King of Nagas.
He continued to rule Satidesa (Kashmir valley) even after its desiccation.
Meaning of sanskrit -
[Let humans settle down permanently in Kashmir, O, possessed of the fierce prowess. The people are always facing misery in coming and going.
Leaving their homes in various places, the humans are troubled. With their favour let them live here. This is the boon I solicit. : Nila (said): “Let it be so, O best among the twice-born. The humans may live here permanently, if you follow my instructions, which I received from Keshava”].
The festival Khichiramavasya is still observed by all Kashmiri Hindus. On this day, which falls on the fifteenth day of the dark 3 fortnight of the month of Poh (generally in the month of December- January), Khichri is cooked in the Kashmiri Hindus houses and kept outside in new earthen pot as an offering for the Pishachas and Yakshas
SOURCE- NILMATAPURANA
