Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 23: Various religious bodies of Kashmiri Pandits have decided to cancel this year’s yatra to shrines of Mata Kheer Bhawani in different places in Kashmir valley on the occasion of Jesht Ashtami falling on May 30.
The Prabandhak Committee, Kheer Bhawani Manzgam in South Kashmir district of Kulgam has decided that in view of Covid-19 and instructions of the Government, the Hawan and Yatra scheduled to be held on 30.5.2020 has been cancelled. However if circumstances allow the Hawan will be conducted on Ashad Ashtami falling next month.
This was stated by the president of the Committee, Kuldeep Raina in a handout issued here, today.
He said the devotees are requested to celebrate the festival at their respective residences by performing all the rituals. However, the Security Forces deployed at Manzgam have been requested to hold Pooja at age old Chandan tree on Saptami i.e 29.5.2020 and prepare Kheer next day and conduct Pooja at the holy Shrine. Manager of the holy shrine, Desh Bushan Koul will assist them in all these arrangements.
Mata Kheer Bhawani Asthapan Committee, Tikker Kupwara has also cancelled this year’s yatra, hawan and free langer which were to be held on the occasion of Jesht Ashtami as usual due to spread of COVID-19 and advisories issued by the Government.
In a handout Committee, general secretary, Ramesh Trakroo said however considering the importance and solemnity of the occasion and to seek blessings of Mata Ragiyan Bhagwati innovative ways of observing the occasion in a befitting manner will be held and worshiping through digital and social media platform may be considered. The devotees have been asked to take part in Samohik Puja to be conducted in the morning of May 30 using social media platform solemnly at the places where ever they are. Besides, the Security forces and Pujaris stationed at the holy shrine have been requested and facilitated to organise a Bhandara and offer Bhog to Mata while taking all preventive measures in view of COVID-19.
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