Excelsior Correspondent
UDHAMPUR, Oct 25: The 339th edition of Vijeshwar Panchang for the year 2023-24 -a dharmic grant and Almanac of Kashmiri Pandits hit stands here on the occasion of Diwali yesterday.
The Panchang was released by BJP senior leader and party vice president, Pawan Khajuria, Sant of Ghari Ashram, Udhampur, Swami Kumar Ji, Chairman Pandit Prem Nath Shastri Sanskritik Shodh Sansthan and Chief Editor of Vijeshwar Panchang, Pt Omkar Nath Shastri, Rajinder Kilm and Jyotshi Bushan Lal Shastri.
The function was attended by the devotees of the Ashram and some prominent citizens of Udhampur.
Speaking on the occasion, Pawan Khajuria said that Vijeshwar Panchang is like a dharmic granth for Kashmiri Pandits which has a history of over 300 years. He said every Kashmiri Pandit family keeps this Panchang in its house to keep themselves abreast with the yearly religious functions, fasts etc. Besides, it also acts as a religious guide for them as it links them to their ancient culture and traditions.
Speaking on the occasion, Swami Kumar Ji also highlighted the role of Vijeshwar Panchang and service of the Jyothsi family of Bijbehara to the Kashmir Pandit community. He said Bijbehara from times immemorial has represented a great civilization on the banks of river Vitasta and it used to be a great educational centre in the past and every KP is feeling proud of it even today.
Jyotshi Omkar Nath Shastri while highlighting the role of Vijeshwar Panchang said though the Panchang has a history of over 300 years, its significance and need became more important after the mass exodus of the Kashmir Pandits in 1989 as the community was scattered all over the world. He said it was this dharmic granth which continued to link the community though sitting in any corner of the world to their roots. He also recalled the role of Pt Prem Nath Shastri and Pt Kant Ram Shastri the former editor in chiefs of the Panchang to the society and termed them great reformers as well.
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