Sopore, May 16: Amid a persistent atmosphere of peace in the valley, Kashmiri Pandits offered prayers at the Shri Nandkishwar Ji Maharaja temple in Seer Jagir, Sopore, on Saturday — the latest in a series of religious gatherings that signal a gradual but steady return of the community to their place of origin.
Speaking to Kashmir Convener, Sanjay Pandith, one of the attendees, said the visit was timed with Jyeshtha Amavasya. “We came here a few days ago. Today, we visited the temple and paid our respects.”
Pandith underscored the changed ground reality. “No doubt, earlier it used to be a very difficult situation, which is why we had also decided not to return. Now the situation is peaceful. Everything is normal, and we are so excited to be back in the valley.”
He emphasised the continuity of inter-community ties. “We are really happy to come here, especially with the love and respect from our Muslim brothers. We truly felt peace seeing those people with whom we spent our childhood. Kashmir is in our veins, and the question of not returning does not arise.”
Another devotee, Rakesh, pointed to administrative cooperation as a key enabler. “Given how peaceful the situation is and how the administration is supporting and cooperating with us, we will have our full hawan on this auspicious occasion next year.”
He described the emotional resonance of the gathering. “Coming here makes one emotional when we see our Muslim community and how they support us shoulder to shoulder and join in our function. The same brotherhood feelings reignite.”
Rakesh added, “On behalf of all Kashmiri Pandits, we appreciate the efforts of the administration and our Prabhat committee. We are hopeful for the day we return to our motherland, Kashmir.”
Another Pandit recalled pre-militancy traditions. “Before the onset of militancy, we would sacrifice a sheep and distribute its meat among the locals as part of our ritual. This time we performed only the hawan. But the love from Muslim families has not changed.”
Local Muslim resident Rameez Ahmad described the scene as significant. “It’s truly emotional and historic to see our Kashmiri Pandit brothers with us — the same love, the same brotherhood. They are part of our society. Without them, Kashmir is incomplete. This has strengthened mutual trust.”
Umar Fayaz, 24, a college student, said, “I had only heard stories about Pandits living here. Today I saw them with my own eyes — praying in our midst, and my father crying after meeting his childhood friend after decades. This is not just their return. It is our own identity returning.”
Mohammad Shafi Lone said the administration has done well to facilitate this. But now it is our responsibility as locals to ensure they never feel unsafe again. We have to rebuild that trust brick by brick. Today was a good start, he said we are very much hopeful to see our Kahsmiri pandits back to our valley.
The resumption of rituals at the temple drew visible enthusiasm from devotees, with several describing the atmosphere as emotional but peaceful.
Notably, Kashmiri Pandits earleir this week also returned to the historic Nand Kishore Temple in Sumbal area of Sonawari to participate in the annual Sumbli Mawas festival after a gap of several decades, marking the second consecutive year of the festival’s revival at the temple.
The two-day religious congregation, being held on May 15 and 16, drew devotees from Jammu and various other regions to the temple premises amid religious fervour and emotional scenes.
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