Bandipora: After remaining shut for over 35 years, the historic Shri Nand Kishore temple in North Kashmir’s Bandipora district have witnessed today a large number of gathering on Tuesday as the temple were opened, marking a significant moment for the displaced Kashmiri Pandit community.
The temple, which was closed in the wake of the 1990 insurgency, witnessed emotional scenes as nearly 300 Kashmiri Pandits from different parts of India gathered to celebrate the birth anniversary of Shri Nand Kishore.
Special prayers and rituals were held, with community members offering prayers for peace and harmony across the country.
“This is not just a religious revival, but a cultural and emotional homecoming,” said one of the visiting devotees. Many described the event as a symbol of hope for communal unity and reconciliation in the conflict-ridden region.
He also said that Kashmiri muslim neighbours were taking care of this temple in these three decades and the brotherhood which was in 1990 is still in Kashmir valley.
“We expect more Kashmiri pandits will visit their homes back.”
Local administration and security forces had made special arrangements to ensure a peaceful gathering.
