Hakeem Junaid
Sopore, May 16 (KNB): Kashmiri Pandits from different parts of India and abroad on Friday gathered at the historic Shri Nandkishwar Ji Maharaj shrine in Seer area of Sopore to perform prayers on the auspicious occasion of Jyestha Amavasya and participate in traditional Asthapan rituals.
As per the News Agency Kashmir News Bureau (KNB), devotees from various places joined local worshippers at the shrine to reconnect with their spiritual roots and preserve the centuries-old traditions associated with the temple.
The shrine was decorated with flowers and traditional symbols, while devotees offered prayers for peace, prosperity, and communal harmony.
Several members of the Kashmiri Pandit community expressed their desire to return permanently to their ancestral homes in Kashmir and appealed for enhanced rehabilitation and support measures from the government. Devotees said that despite living away from the Valley for decades, their emotional bond with Kashmir remains intact.
The visiting devotees also appreciated the local Muslim community for preserving and taking care of the shrine with mutual respect and harmony over the years. They said the people of Kashmir have always welcomed them with warmth and affection during their visits.
Community members said the enduring bond between Kashmiri Muslims and Pandits continues to symbolize the spirit of brotherhood and shared cultural heritage that has long been an integral part of Kashmir’s identity. (KNB)