In the month of Ramzan, Kashmir bears witness to a historic event as Kashmiri Hindus arrive to celebrate Darshar Maha Kumbh.
The religious gathering is held at Shadipora every 75 years at the meeting of two rivers, the Jehlum and the Sindh.
With the help of scores of local Muslims, thousands of Kashmiri Pandits have gathered in Ganderbal.
After 75 years, thousands of Kashmiri
Hindus arrive at the place where the rivers Jehlum and Sindh meet to
celebrate Darshar Maha Kumbh
“This
is happening after 75 years. We are happy that we have been able to see
it happen in our lifetime,” said Suneeta, an excited young devotee.
The event comes during a time of controversy on the settlement of Kashmiri Pandits in the Valley.
While many outside the Valley have been advocating separate townships for Pandits, the idea has been met with opposition within the Valley.
Several Valley-based organisations have said Kashmiri Pandits should settle down in their original areas, instead of separating the population.
However, for the devotees who have come to this Kumbh, all the controversies seem to be manufactured to ensure divisions.
“Why is the government talking about separate colonies? We don't need this. This Mela has taken place after 75 years. Muslims are shoulder-to-shoulder with us here. They are giving us flowers, they are helping us cross this river on their boats. They are doing all this while fasting. We appeal to everyone to end the hate,” says a Kashmiri Pandit Maharaj Krishan Bhat.
These sentiments are echoed by the Muslims helping in this Kumbh.
Kashmiri Hindu (Pandits) claim that they shouldn't be separated from the Muslim communities in the valley
Farooq Ahmad has been fasting all day himself, but that hasn’t stopped him from helping devotees cross the river.
He has ferried scores of pilgrims to the sacred tree.
This landmark is a Chinar which stands right in the centre where the two rivers meet, and is known as Prayag.
“We are helping in many ways. Many people are even staying in our houses for last few days. These Pandits should come back,” says Ahmad.
The help and hospitality that the local community has given the pilgrims has clearly been appreciated by the devotees.
“This has come after 75 years and has great importance for us. We are very thankful to the local people here. They are fasting themselves, and yet still helping us,” says Param.
As thousands of people thronged the sacred place, the hope of brotherhood and communal harmony lives in Kashmir yet again.
POSTED BY :VIPUL KOUL AND EDITED BY ASHOK KOUL
The religious gathering is held at Shadipora every 75 years at the meeting of two rivers, the Jehlum and the Sindh.
With the help of scores of local Muslims, thousands of Kashmiri Pandits have gathered in Ganderbal.
The event comes during a time of controversy on the settlement of Kashmiri Pandits in the Valley.
While many outside the Valley have been advocating separate townships for Pandits, the idea has been met with opposition within the Valley.
Several Valley-based organisations have said Kashmiri Pandits should settle down in their original areas, instead of separating the population.
However, for the devotees who have come to this Kumbh, all the controversies seem to be manufactured to ensure divisions.
“Why is the government talking about separate colonies? We don't need this. This Mela has taken place after 75 years. Muslims are shoulder-to-shoulder with us here. They are giving us flowers, they are helping us cross this river on their boats. They are doing all this while fasting. We appeal to everyone to end the hate,” says a Kashmiri Pandit Maharaj Krishan Bhat.
These sentiments are echoed by the Muslims helping in this Kumbh.
He has ferried scores of pilgrims to the sacred tree.
This landmark is a Chinar which stands right in the centre where the two rivers meet, and is known as Prayag.
“We are helping in many ways. Many people are even staying in our houses for last few days. These Pandits should come back,” says Ahmad.
The help and hospitality that the local community has given the pilgrims has clearly been appreciated by the devotees.
“This has come after 75 years and has great importance for us. We are very thankful to the local people here. They are fasting themselves, and yet still helping us,” says Param.
As thousands of people thronged the sacred place, the hope of brotherhood and communal harmony lives in Kashmir yet again.
POSTED BY :VIPUL KOUL AND EDITED BY ASHOK KOUL
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