Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, May 16: After a gap of 35 years, the historic Sumbali Mawas festival was celebrated with religious fervour at the ancient Nand Kishore Temple in the Sumbal area of north Kashmir’s Bandipora district today, reviving a major spiritual and cultural tradition associated with the Kashmiri Pandit community.
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The festival, once observed annually before the migration of Kashmiri Pandits in the early 1990s, drew hundreds of devotees from different parts of J&K.
Authorities said nearly 300 devotees participated in the gathering.
In a notable display of communal harmony, local Muslims joined the celebrations and welcomed the returning Kashmiri Pandits, extending support to organisers and devotees during the event.
Devotees from areas including Wandhama, Tulmulla and Odina assembled at the temple premises to participate in religious rituals and prayers associated with the birth anniversary of Nand Kishore Maharaj, a revered deity among Kashmiri Pandits.
The temple premises remained festive throughout the day as devotees offered prayers amid devotional hymns and religious chants.
Many participants described the revival of the festival as an emotional homecoming and a reflection of the community’s enduring connection with its roots.
Daisy Dhar, a Kashmiri Pandit woman who attended the festival, said she had returned after decades to participate in the celebrations.
“We had to leave Kashmir decades ago, but today’s gathering shows that Kashmir is safe and religious rituals are once again being held here,” she said.
She, however, pointed to shortcomings in the arrangements.
“There was a shortage of water and toilet facilities. We hope better arrangements will be made next year,” she added.
Local resident Bashir Ahmad Parray of Bhat Mohalla described the occasion as a symbol of brotherhood and coexistence in Kashmir.
“This place is known as Asthapan Shri Nand Kishore Maharaj. We are happy that Kashmiri Pandits have returned here for the prayers. We want them to return permanently and live together with us in peace and love,” he said.
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