Excelsior Correspondent
ANANTNAG, Aug 29 : Two thousand displaced Kashmiri Pandits who arrived here from Jammu and other parts of the country took part in annual pilgrimage of Prachin Amarnath and offered prayers at the holy cave temple of Lord Shiva in South Kashmir . The ancient holy cave temple, also known as Chota Amarnath is situated at Thajiwara, Bijbehara of Anantnag district in South Kashmir.
Annual festival and yatra on the eve of Shrawan Purnamashi and Raksha Bandhan at Pracheen Cave of Lord Shiva at Thajiwara-Bijbehara was celebrated with traditional gaiety today.
The main features of the festival and yatra were Puja Archana held during the night of August 28 and 29 at the shrine complex. The Managing Committee of Devesthan Prabandhak Committee (DPC), Bijbehara had made all the arrangements for the smooth conduct of yatra and festival with the active cooperation of district and local administration.
It is worth mentioning that ancient cave of Lord Shiva is one of the most prominent religious shrines of the Kashmir valley. This Asthapan is believed to be inseparable part of holy cave of Swami Amarnathji, which has similar religious importance.
The initiative in this regard was taken by the Managing Committee of Devsthan Prabandhak committee (DPC) ,Bijbehara, to bring the Muslim brethren and Kashmiri Pandits closer through two days festival.
Through this festival an attempt has been made to revive the temples of this Tehsil as well as old brotherhood between KPs and Kashmiri Muslims said Prof M L, Malla the President of the Prabandhak committee Bijbehara.
Minister for Horticulture, Haj and Auqaf, Abdul Rehman Veeri, Minister for Industries and Commerce Abdul Ghani Kohli ,MLC, Dr. Bashir Ahmed Veeri and Deputy Commissioner Anantnag Muneer-ul-Islam and prominent citizens also paid the obeisance at the shrine and showed solidarity with the devotees.
They also prayed for the peace and tranquility of the state. Senior district and police officials also paid visit to the shrine and participated in the festivities.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister said that Kashmiri Pandits are integral part of Kashmiri society and lauded their contribution in the progress of the State in different fields, especially in the education sector. He reiterated the dignified return and rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits in the Valley, adding that Kashmir is incomplete without them and all out efforts are being made to facilitate their return.
Minister expressed the hope that the celebrations which are observed as a part of Annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra will restore the trust between the Kashmiri majority and Kashmir minority and called the “Chota Amarnath” pilgrimage as a hallmark of glorious cultural ethos.
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