Right in the middle of a raging controversy over the return of Kashmiri Pandits, the valley witnesses first Kumbh after 75 years. With the help of scores of Muslims, thousands of Kashmiri Pandits throng the sacred spot.
In the month of Ramadan, the valley witnesses a grand and historic event of Kashmiri Hindus. Duashhar, the religious Kumbh of the community, took place at Shadipora after 75 years. With the help of scores of local Muslims, thousands of Kashmiri Pandits have thronged this spot in Ganderbal. The sacred place is the confluence of two rivers Jhelum and Sindh. “This is happening after 75 years. We are happy that we have been able to see it happen in our lifetimes”, said an excited young devotee Suneeta
UNITY
The event comes right in the middle of a raging controversy on settlement of Kashmiri Pandits in the valley. While many outside the valley have been advocating separate townships for Pandits, the idea has met a lot of opposition within valley. Several valley based organisations have said Kashmiri Pandits should settle down in their original home 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. As you can see, this Mela has taken place after 75 years. Muslims are shoulder to shoulder here. They are giving us flowers, they are helping us cross this river on their boats. We appeal to everyone to end the hate”, says a Kashmiri Pandit Maharaj Krishan Bhat.
And these sentiments are echoed by the Muslims helping in this Kumbh. 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 the pilgrims to the sacred tree. The sacred tree 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”, says Farooq ahmad.
The help that locals have extended is finding a clear appreciation among the devotees. Most of them say they want such events to take place more and more. “This has come after 75 years. We are very thankful to the local people here. Even though they are fasting, they are still helping us.” Last time Dashhar took place at this spot was on June 4, in 1941 when Maharaja Hari Singh was ruling the undivided J&K State. Besides taking a dip in the holy waters, the devotees perform special pujas for their ancestors. As thousands of people have thronged the spot today, the hope of brotherhood and communal harmony come alive yet again.
