Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Sept 5: Hundreds of Pandit devotees today thronged temple of ancient spring “Nagbal” to celebrate the annual festival of Anant Chaturdashi at Nagbal area of Anantnag district.Maharaja Krishan Bamboo, who is president of Prabandak Committee Nagbal Anantnag, said the festival is an example of brotherhood between Kashmiri Pandits and Muslims.
“We performed annual Havan on the occasion of ‘Anant Chaturdashi’ at Nagbal. The Havan was performed for the welfare of one and all, particularly for the State of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
Local Pandits said they have been following Nilamata Purana, an ancient text from Kashmir and it was also used by Kalhana as one of sources of his history. “We used to bring here new food crop and used to pray here, but due to the militancy, it was all stopped. Now with the things are improving, we are back here to revive our culture,” said Santosh Shah Nadan, a resident of Anantnag.
“Although there has been a significant drop in the number of devotees arriving this year due to the rising tension in the State, the communal harmony one can witness here is unique,” said C J Goja.
All the hawan arrangements, including stay of the devotees were arranged by the Ramesh Kumar Bhat, Vice President Anantnag Prabandak Committee Nagbal Anantnag
It is here to mention that Nagpal temples have been thrown open by Kashmiri Pandits for worship in Anantnag in 2003. Anantnag is home to highly honoured shrines from any faith, practicing it with utmost belief.
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