Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Feb 16: The Sheetalnath Bhairav Temple in Kralkhud area of Srinagar was today thrown open for the devotees after nearly 3 decades on the occasion of Basant Panchami.
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Emotional scenes were witnessed on the occasion where the members of the Kashmiri Pandit community had reached from different parts of the Valley, while many had come directly from Jammu to attend the joyous occasion.
The devotees present on the occasion said that their happiness has doubled on the occasion, with the opening of the temple sending across a positive message.
They said that while they used to celebrate Basant Panchami at their respected places every year, but this year, they said, the occasion has come with an extra bout of happiness for them with the opening up of the historical temple in the heart of the city.
“We have been celebrating this occasion at out places every year, but we have not been able to celebrate it here at this particular temple and today we have been able to perform havan on the occasion of Basant Panchami after 31 long years,” said Meena Handoo who participated in the rituals that were carried out on the occasion.
As per devotees, scores of members of the community could not reach here due to weather conditions.
They said that they are expecting more people to come here in the days ahead and perform havan at the temple to mark the reopening of the temple.
Pertinently, the temple is held in highest regards by the Kashmiri Pandits who have been living in Kashmir including those who are living in other parts of the country.
“Our ancestors used to carry our havan here, but we have not been able to do it as the temple was shut when the situation was not peaceful in Kashmir and today it is all happening after 31 years; it is indeed a moment of joy and happiness for us,” said Upendra Handoo who had reached here directly from Jammu to participate in gathering on the occasion of Basant Panchami.
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