DC visits Raghunath Mandir, pays obeisance
Suhail Bhat
SRINAGAR, Mar 26: Muslims and Kashmiri Pandits came together in Srinagar’s old city today to celebrate Ram Navami at the historic Raghunath Mandir in Habba Kadal area, as the temple reopens after more than three decades.
Click here to watch video
The reopening of the temple, which had remained shut since the early 1990s when majority of the Pandits fled the Valley, marks a significant moment for the community and the locality.
Devotees gathered at the temple amid emotional scenes, with many describing the occasion as a return to a shared past. “It has been so long since we have been here,” said Kashmiri Pandit woman.
“We are thankful to God that we are here again. The temple is reopening up after a long wait. Our neighbours and friends are here. We want to live in peace and harmony. We want Kashmir to be peaceful again,” she added.
Bharat Raina, president of the organising committee, said the event signals both revival and hope. “We left in 1990. Now we are restarting the organisation. The environment is coming back. We are sending a message to others to return when they feel secure. This used to be a shared tradition of Hindus and Muslims. We worked together, and we want that same environment of peace and harmony again,” he said.
Local Muslim residents also participated in the celebrations, welcoming the reopening. “I live here. I was brought up here. This temple has been here since our childhood and has always been a source of happiness. Seeing it flourish again brings us joy,” said Abdul Rashid, a resident.
A Muslim woman echoes similar sentiments. “We were born and brought up together. There was communal harmony here. Today there is peace, and they are like our sisters. They should come back and live with us peacefully,” she said.
Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Akshay Labroo also visited Raghunath Mandir at Habba Kadal to pay obeisance and review the arrangements on the occasion for Ram Navami.
During the visit, the Deputy Commissioner offered prayers at the temple, seeking peace, harmony and prosperity for ine and all.
On the occasion, the DC took stock of the arrangements made at the temple to facilitate smooth conduct of the religious event and ensure convenience for devotees.
The DC also interacted with members of the management Committee and devotees present on the auspicious occasion.
The DC was accompanied by senior Officers of District Administration.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
