Ganderbal, Apr 06: The Kashmiri Pandit community in the Valley celebrated Ram Navami with great fervour and devotion. Temples across the valley witnessed special prayers, where devotees prayed for peace and harmony in Kashmir.
As part of the celebrations, a Shoba Yatra was taken out in Srinagar by the Kashmiri Pandit community. The event, held under tight security, began from the Kathleshwar Temple in Tankipora and passed through various areas including Habbakadal, Ganpathyar, Barbar Shah, Regal Chowk, Lal Chowk, Hari Singh High Street, and Jahangir Chowk. Children dressed in traditional clothes joined the Yatra, which was carried out peacefully.
Special prayers were offered at Ram Mandir, Barbar Shah, Durga Nag Mandir, Kathleshwar Mandir, Habbakadal, and Hanuman Mandir at Hari Singh High Street. A large number of devotees gathered to sing Bhajans and pray for the well-being of Jammu and Kashmir.
The sacred Kheer Bhawani Temple in Tulmulla, located in Central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district, was filled with a vibrant and spiritual energy on Sunday as devotees gathered in large numbers to celebrate the auspicious occasion of Ram Navami.
Hundreds of devotees, including members of the Kashmiri Pandit community, thronged the temple premises to offer prayers and seek blessings from Goddess Ragnya Devi. The temple, beautifully adorned with colourful flowers and traditional decorations, resonated with the sounds of bhajans and chants in praise of Lord Rama. Pilgrims lit earthen lamps and made offerings of kheer (rice pudding), flowers, and incense sticks at the sacred spring within the temple complex, which holds profound religious significance for Kashmiri Hindus.
In preparation for the large turnout, local authorities had made special arrangements to ensure the smooth conduct of the festivities, including heightened security and medical aid. The day passed peacefully, with a strong sense of communal harmony and unity prevailing throughout the celebrations.
Many devotees expressed their joy at being able to return to the temple for the festival, especially those who had travelled from outside the Valley. “It’s a divine experience to celebrate Ram Navami at Kheer Bhawani. This place is not just a temple, but an emotion for us,” said a devotee from Noida, reflecting the deep connection felt by many to the sacred site.
Similarly, at the famous Mata Baderkali temple in Handwara, the festival was marked with Bhajan recitals and rituals like ‘Kanya Poojan’ and ‘Sakh Immersion’. People prayed for peace, unity, and development in the region.
Members of the Muslim community also joined in the festive spirit by greeting their Pandit neighbours, sharing sweets, and sending wishes through social media and personal visits. “This festival reminds us that truth and good always win,”said a devotee. “We also prayed for peace and a better future for Kashmir”.
Many Kashmiri Pandits shared their wish to return to their homeland. “We want to come back and live peacefully with our Muslim brothers, just like we did in the late 80s,” said Ramesh Bhat, a participant in the Yatra. “We miss those days of brotherhood and harmony. Today, we prayed for that to return.”
