Temple bell rings after 35 years at Bandipora’s Nandkishore Temple

Bandipora, May 27: The historic Shri Nand Kishore Temple in the Sumbal area of North Kashmir’s Bandipora district reopened on Tuesday after remaining closed for more than three decades.
The temple was shut following the onset of terrorism in Kashmir valley in the early 1990s. On Tuesday, nearly 300 Kashmiri Pandits from across the country gathered to offer prayers and reconnect with their ancestral roots.
The reopening coincided with the birth anniversary of Shri Nand Kishore, a revered figure in the community, adding profound significance to the occasion for the visiting devotees.
Emotional scenes were seen at the temple premises as displaced Pandits stepped into the sacred complex for the first time since being forced to flee their homes more than 35 years ago.
“This is not just the reopening of a temple; it is a revival of our identity, faith, and bond with this land,” said one devotee present during the prayers. “We have waited decades for this day. Being here fills a void that we have carried for so long.”
A remarkable aspect of the event was the role played by the local Muslim community in preserving the temple during years of turmoil. Despite the exodus of Pandits in the 1990s, Muslim families in the area maintained the temple structure, ensuring it remained intact and free from encroachment or vandalism.
“They ensured the temple stood intact. That gesture remains with us and gives hope that communal bonds can endure even the darkest times,” the devotee added.
Many Muslim residents also joined the returning Pandits in welcoming them back and extended their full support during the event.
Given the sensitivity and historical significance of the occasion, the district administration, along with Jammu and Kashmir Police, made extensive arrangements to ensure the safety and smooth conduct of the religious gathering.
Deputy Commissioner Bandipora, Manzoor Qadri, visited the site and interacted with the visitors. “We are committed to facilitating initiatives that bring communities together,” he said.
Devotees lit diyas, chanted prayers, and participated in special puja ceremonies held to mark the occasion. Many brought their children, some of whom had never before seen their ancestral homes.
Several returning Pandits expressed willingness to visit more frequently if such support and mutual respect continue to grow.
Locals who helped organise the event said it should serve as an example of how grassroots efforts, supported by local communities and the administration, can foster genuine reconciliation.