Srinagar (J&K): Navreh, the first day of New Year for Kashmiri Hindus, was celebrated across the Kashmir Valley on Tuesday.
The word 'Navreh' is derived from Sanskrit 'Nava Varsha', meaning New Year. The Kashmiri Hindu community believes Hinduism originated 5,097 years ago during the Saptarishi era.
Kashmiri Hindu leaders organised several events in Srinagar with an aim to revive the historical Hindu sites in the Valley so that Kashmiri pandits living in other states could return.
"This day is very important in Kashmir and our religion. Our new year begins today. On this occasion, we take the blessings of Mata Sharika Devi and pray for peace, tranquillity and well-being," Dr Kuldeep Sumbli Agnivesh, a Kashmiri Hindu leader, said.
He said, "Today, we are celebrating this day with our Muslim and Sikh brothers in Kashmir. Today is Baisakhi, too, and tomorrow is Ramadan. This is the representation of true brotherhood of Kashmir."
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As per the Vishwa Kashmiri Samaj's plan, the pooja was to be held at Vichar Naag temple. However, since the temple is in a dilapidated condition, the ceremony couldn't be conducted.
"The historic temple in Srinagar city is being ignored by the administration. In our childhood, we used to have a fair here, but today, there is nothing. There is a Shivling in the middle of the spring and four idols at the corners... but, who cares," Ghulam Ahmed Wani, a local resident said, adding that the locals want their "Hindu brothers" to return to the Valley.
However, the pooja and aarti were held at Mata Sharika Devi temple, which has a Gurudwara and Ziyarat in the neighbourhood.
Organisers had ensured all standard operating protocols at the temple by installing sanitizing tunnel and masks. Despite the precautions taken by the organisers, the devotees turned out in low number as most of the Kashmiri Hindus have settled outside Kashmir.
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The largest ceremony was held at Mata Zeeshta Devi temple on the shores of Dal Lake in the Zabrawan mountain range. Farooq Khan, advisor to the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, and Junaid Matoo, Mayor of Srinagar were the special guests.
Sharing his message on the occasion, Khan said, "My best wishes to the Hindu brothers. I hope and pray that this auspicious period would be the harbinger of harmony, brotherhood, amity, progress, and growth for all in Jammu and Kashmir."
"Today is Navreh and Baisakhi. From tomorrow, the month of Ramadan is beginning, I urge everyone to pray for peace and prosperity of Jammu and Kashmir," he said. He also urged people to strictly follow all COVID-related directions issued by the administration.
"Vaccination is safe, don't pay heed to rumours. And avoid crowded places," he asserted.
Navreh event was so far being organised by the Kashmiri Hindus themselves. This year, the department of tourism, too, has joined hands.
