Peerzada Sayeed
LOC Teetwal, Karnah, September 19, 2026 (JKNS): Sharda Divas, the annual observance associated with the Sharda Peeth pilgrimage, was celebrated at the historic Sharda Temple located along the Line of Control (LoC) at Teetwal in Karnah on Friday, with hundreds of devotees and followers participating in the programme.
The event witnessed the participation of devotees from different parts of the country, who gathered at the Sharda Temple to pay obeisance and participate in religious and spiritual activities organised on the occasion.
As part of the symbolic pilgrimage, devotees proceeded from the Sharda Temple towards the Teetwal Crossing Bridge, located along the LoC. The symbolic yatra was held to commemorate the traditional association of the region with the ancient Sharda Peeth pilgrimage and to underline the devotees’ longstanding desire to visit the historic shrine across the LoC.
Earlier in the day, a Homa was performed at the temple premises, where devotees offered prayers and sought blessings. The programme was followed by a holy bath in the Kishenganga River, which holds deep religious and cultural significance for devotees associated with the Sharda tradition.
A Bhandara was also organised for the participants, providing prasad and food to devotees and visitors who attended the day’s programme.
The event was organised by the Save Sharda Committee Kashmir, under the leadership of its chairman Ravinder Pandita. The committee has been advocating for the revival of the traditional pilgrimage to the ancient Sharda Peeth, situated in Pakistan-administered Kashmir.
Speaking on the occasion, Ravinder Pandita reiterated the committee’s demand for the immediate reopening of the Sharda Peeth pilgrimage route, stating that devotees should be facilitated to undertake the traditional pilgrimage to the revered shrine.
The gathering at Teetwal also highlighted the historical and cultural importance of the area, which has emerged as an important point for discussions around the Sharda pilgrimage and the heritage associated with the ancient seat of learning.
The celebration brought together devotees, members of the organising committee and local participants in a programme that combined religious observance with a symbolic expression of the continued connection of devotees with Sharda Peeth.
The organisers expressed hope that the traditional pilgrimage route would be reopened in the future, enabling devotees to visit Sharda Peeth and reconnect with the ancient religious and cultural heritage associated with the shrine.(JKNS)
