Navreh function held at Vicharnag after 35 years
Avtar Bhat
SRINAGAR, Apr 9: Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatreya today said that visit of record number of tourists to Kashmir is a good sign indicating that the situation is fast changing for better in Valley.
Bandaru Dattatreya, who was on two days visit of Kashmir valley in connection with celebration of Navreh-the New Year festival of Kashmiri Pandits here at ancient Shiva temple Vicharnag, near Soura in Central Kashmir district of Srinagar joined the Kashmiri Pandit community in commemorating 5,100 years of their existence through the celebrations of Navreh.
Dattatreya said he met a cross section of people in Srinagar who informed him that situation has turned better in the Valley now. This is a good sign as tourist trade has started flourishing in Kashmir, he added.
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Dattatreya promised the devotees to renovate the old temples in the Kashmir valley including ancient temple of Vicharnag and restore their pristine glory.
A large gathering of Kashmiri Pandits and locals under the banner of Vishwa Kashmiri Samaj (VKS) celebrated ‘Saptarishi Samvat-5100’ at a function at the historic Vichar Nag temple.
The organisers said such a huge Navreh celebration took place at the temple after 35 years.
The Haryana Governor, who was the chief guest on the occasion, highlighted the contribution of Kashmir towards the development of ‘Sanatan Dharma’, the country’s knowledge system, and spiritual consciousness among Indians.
Addressing the gathering of the Kashmiri Pandits, Dattatreya assured them to restore the glory of temples of Kashmir through renovation work and assured them that he will take up the issue with Lt Governor, Manoj Sinha and Home Minister Amit Shah. He said the Vicharnag Shrine has a thousand years of history and it was a hub of religio-social activities.
Dattatreya dedicated a book written and published by Amit Raina on efforts of Jammu and Kashmir police combating terror in the region. He also released a special Calendar published by Vishva Kashmiri Samaj to commemorate the 5100 years of Saptrishi system and Vijayeshwer Jantrie USA & Canada edition 2024-25 was also released which was published by Dr Manmohan Jyotshi Research Foundation (a socio-religious & cultural organization) edited by Puneet and Suneet Jyotshi for Kashmiri Pandits living in USA and Canada.
The Haryana Governor, while expressing his pleasure over the participation of the local youth in Yoga session held in the premises of shrine today said Yoga has no religious bindings and every one can practise in it.
He was also honoured by the Vishaw Kashmiri Samaj, convener Kiran Wattal on the occasion.
On the occasion, Raj Nehru, Vice-Chancellor of Vishwakarma Skill Development University, Harayana, and Ramesh Chander Bhardwaj, Vice-Chancellor of Maharishi Valmiki Sanskrit University, announced a seat each on research of Kashmir Shaivism.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha also conveyed Navreh greetings to the Kashmiri Hindu community through a telephonic message.
Later, the Haryana Governor visited the revered Kheer Bhawani temple in the Central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district and paid obeisance there.
A large gathering of Kashmiri Pandits and locals under the banner of Vishwa Kashmiri Samaj on the occasion celebrated Saptrishi Samvat 5100 at the historic Vichar Nag, Srinagar.
Kiran Wattal, convenor Vishwa Kashmiri Samaj, in his welcome address complimented the Haryana Governor, and highlighted the importance of the Saptrishi Calendar and the Vichar Nag’s historic importance. He also described such events not only meant for Kashmiri Pandits but also the whole humanity.
Earlier, Dattatreya participated in the Hawan which was held on this auspicious occasion.
He also appreciated the role of Vishwa Kashmiri Samaj in organising such religious events in such adverse conditions and further lauded the efforts of Jammu Kashmir Police & other security agencies working in J&K (UT) in its fight against terrorism.
A galaxy of prominent persons from Jammu had also come to join the occasion include Kamal Ganjoo, P.L. Pandita, Ashok Sumbly, Rajinder Kumar Tickoo, Dilip Koul, Surinder Bhat and R.K Tickoo.
Pankaj Dhar, a Kashmiri Pandit social activist gave the vote of thanks. He expressed gratitude on behalf of the community to Manoj Sinha, LG for the revival of Sanatana in Kashmir. He also complimented the local residents, J&K Police, the Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, SMC, Tourism, PDD, PWD and the entire administration for their support in making the event successful.
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