Srinagar, 18 June (KNS): People's Democratic Party (PDP) has extended warm greetings to members of Kashmiri Pandit community on the auspicious occasion of Zyeth Athem. 

 

In a statement issued to Kashmir News Service, party spokesperson Mohit Bhan said Kashmiri Pandits celebrate this auspicious day by paying their obeisance to Goddess Ragnya Bhagwati at Mata Kheer Bhawani Temple Ganderbal , fondly called as Tulmula Temple. 

 

Every year, a grand Hawan is solemnised followed by Prasad to the devotees flocking in huge numbers. Unfortunately we couldn't see devotees in large numbers this year due to the pandemic. 

 

Besides religious importance, the festival also holds a social importance, the mela has been a historical symbol of communal harmony. For years including the peak of millitancy when the visit of Kashmiri Pandits was bare minimum to the holy shrine the Muslim brethren ensured the ritualistic arrangements along with Pandit community & extended every sort of help they could to the pilgrims attending the Mela. Their active participation filled with gusto and jauntiness stands as an emblem of people's belief in pluralistic culture.The Mela is one of the hallmarks of Hindu-Muslim bonhomie in the valley.

 

Bhan added - Due to unfortunate events in the past,this camaraderie has been shaken and both the communities were further driven apart from each other. 

 

A bridge has been formed in past decade which needs to be crossed now, let's take a pledge on this auspicious day that the least we can do is to talk, open up, walk in each other's shoes and try to empathize with each other.

Both the communities have gone through pain and suffering. 

 

Much water has flown down the Jhelum. It's time to transcend the barriers and pave the way for centuries old harmony & brotherhood to once again flourish.

Today the country & the people of J&K need love more than ever.(KNS)