Kashmir: Demand of Kashmiri Pandits echoed in Mata Kheer Bhavani fair, appealed to the government to return home

People of Kashmiri Pandit community from all over the country are reaching the temple of their favorite goddess Mata Ragnya Devi, also known as Mata Kheer Bhavani, located in Tulmulla village of Ganderbal district of Kashmir Valley and offering prayers. The devotees are once again wishing to return to their homeland Kashmir and settle there permanently. At the same time, they are also reminding the Narendra Modi government at the Center of the old promises related to the return of Kashmiri Pandits to their homes. Especially those people, who are now retired and want to return to their native place in a peaceful phase of life, are openly expressing this desire.

60 year old Kalpana Bangru is also included among the devotees who came from all over the country. She does not want to remember the painful days of migration, but remembers the days when the situation in Kashmir was normal. He has faith in the blessings of Mata Kheer Bhavani and the promises of the Central Government that one day his family will be able to settle in Kashmir again. He told that his family lived in Habba Kadal area of ​​Srinagar and even today when he comes to the fair, he does not feel like returning. They say that Kashmir is their own and Kashmir is incomplete without Kashmiri Pandits, hence the government should resettle them at the same place from where they were displaced.

Other Kashmiri Pandits are also being motivated to return to the valley.

It is not that only the elderly have come with the hope of returning home. 30-year-old Ayush, who came to Kashmir a few years ago for a government job under the Prime Minister’s Rehabilitation Scheme, is constantly motivating other Kashmiri Pandits to return to the valley. He says that he is aware of the changed situation and the ground reality and this time considering the color of Mata’s water pond as an auspicious sign, he is hopeful that all the Kashmiri Pandits will return one day. According to him, Kashmiri Pandits are connected to their roots and this journey never stopped completely even during the terrorism period of 1990. They believe that everything will be good with the blessings of Mother.

This year, the fair of Mata Kheer Bhavani was organized on 22 and 23 June in the temple premises located in Tulmulla village of Ganderbal district, about 35 km from Srinagar, where a large number of devotees reached after many years. This temple is a center of great faith for Kashmiri Pandits, where the water form of Mata Bhavani is worshipped. It is believed that the sacred water located here was brought by Hanumanji from Lanka in his Kamandal and its color keeps changing from time to time.

Jailed engineer Rasheed wants to leave the post of Baramulla MP! First the party will take public opinion

‘Organization is a medium to connect Kashmiri Pandits with their roots’

Neeru Trakaru, who reached the fair with her family, says that this event is a medium to connect Kashmiri Pandits with their roots and to introduce the new generation to their heritage. They believe that it is possible to return, but it is difficult to settle permanently without a home and basic facilities. He appealed to the government to provide at least a small house, kitchen or some land, so that he can spend the last years of his life peacefully in his homeland.

Kashmiri Pandits also have deep faith in the water pond of the temple. It is believed that if the color of water is black or red then it is considered a sign of difficult times or evil, whereas green, white or blue color is considered auspicious. This time the color of the pond is said to be white, which is considered a symbol of happiness, peace and development. Devotees believe that this is a positive sign for Kashmir and all the people there in the times to come. Kalpana Bangru also said that this time the color of water is giving the message of good days and Mother is happy with everyone.

Disappointment among many devotees regarding expectations from the government

However, along with faith, there is also disappointment among many devotees regarding expectations from the government. 55-year-old Anjali Bhatt, who reached Jammu in 1990 after being displaced from Qazibag in Budgam, says that in the last 35 years, no government has taken concrete steps for the permanent return of Kashmiri Pandits. According to him, every year a fair is held and there is talk of homecoming, but as soon as the event ends, the issue goes on the back burner. he prime minister Narendra Modi Also expressed the expectation that if the government wishes, effective steps can be taken towards the rehabilitation of displaced Kashmiri Pandits.

Before 1990, lakhs of devotees used to come to this fair for darshan, but during the era of terrorism, the number of people coming here had reduced considerably. In the last few years, the fair has once again started becoming vibrant and with it the discussion about the return of Kashmiri Pandits to their homes has also intensified. Srinagar resident Ramesh Kaul says that now a new India and a new Kashmir are being formed, where peace and development are visible. He believes that if the government wants, it is also possible to resettle the displaced Kashmiri Pandits.

Many materials used in puja are prepared by local Muslims.

Another feature of Kheer Bhawani Temple is the Hindu-Muslim unity seen here. According to the devotees, many of the ingredients used in the puja are prepared by the local Muslim community and the milk brought for offering is also made available through them. Many devotees who visit the temple even today express their desire to live a peaceful life together with the Hindu and Muslim communities in Kashmir. Displaced Kashmiri Ramesh Tiku says that New Kashmir is moving forward on the path of development and most of the Kashmiri Muslims also want to live with peace and progress. He said that law and order is strong and strict action will be taken against anyone who tries to create unrest. In his words, ‘This is the new India and those who do mischief here will definitely be punished.’

Big scam in PM Health Scheme in Jammu and Kashmir, 103 surgeries found suspicious; doctor suspended