It was an emotional reunion. A memorable occasion filled with nostalgia and feeling of deja vu. After span of 14 years, the locals at Handwara embraced their parted brethren - Kashmiri Pandits, on the occasion of Navmi, in the ancient temple of Maa Bhadarkali at Handwara, which was re-opened after many years, on Friday.
In the spiritual ambience, setting was perfect for Kashmiri Pandits and Muslims to recount their glorious days. Keeping up the high traditions of Kashmiriyat, the locals of Handwara, particularly Wadipora, helped in rebuilding this famous temple. Badarkali is a famous temple, about 8 km to the west of Handwara in North Kashmir district of Kupwara. There is a statue of
Badarkali, which is worshiped to mark the culmination of Navraatras. On Thursday and Friday, the temple witnessed large number of Pandits coming all the way from Jammu to pay obeisance at the revered shrine, dedicated to Goddess Kali. They performed Yagya, offered Puran Ahuti and chanted religious hymns with their Muslim brethren making arrangements for their comfortable stay.
“They are guests in their own home, said a young Muslim boy, Irfan, who had heard much about Kashmiri Pandits from his grand parents. He was overwhelmed, when one of his relatives introduced him to his family friends, a Kashmiri Pandit family. He said he would never forget the great moment.
For Kashmiri Pandits coming from Jammu, the experience was equally emotional. It was a grand moment for them to see Murti Sathapna amid Bhajjans and Kirtans in the renovated temple. The renovation work had been undertaken with the help of various local Muslim organisations.
Prominent among these are Bar Association, Handwara, Markaz-e-Auqaf, Yateem Trust, Traders Federation, Contractors Association and Rajwar Action Committee.
Expressing his gratitude for the overwhelming support of the local Muslim populace, Bushan Lal Pandit, president of the construction committee of the shrine said that this reflects the strong bonds between Muslims and Hindus, who have been living happily and in harmony for centuries together. He exuded confidence that the day is not far, when the garden of Kashmir will again bloom with flowers of various colours.
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