Kashmir Pandit devotees from all over the country thronged the temple of ancient spring, Nagbal, to celebrate the annual festival of Anant Chaturdashi at Nagbal Anantnag, with utmost devotion, gaiety for the universal peace and brotherhood.All the necessary arrangements were made by the Anantnag Prabandhak Committee for smooth and successful conduct of the festival. Hundreds of devotees including children, young and old participated in two day festival. Hassle-free movement of devotees was ensured at the Nagabal premises. Bhajan and Kirtan continued for the whole day.The purnahuti was done by Vice President Babloo Ji Jad and Shadi Lal Pandit @ Raja Ji, which marked the culmination of the day’s proceedings with Aarti. Later prasad was served to devotees till late evening.After the purnahuti, the devotee visited Devibal temple and Sufi shrine Ziarat Baba Hyder Reshi Shrine ( Reshmol ) in the heart of Anantnage town.“ Every year Anant Chaturdashi havan is performed for the welfare and peace in Jammu and Kashmir. The communal harmony one can witness here is unique,” said Babloo Ji Jad.
Maharaj Krishan Bamboo, who had overlooked the construction of Nagpal Temple, said that this is the festival of Kashmir Pandits.He said Nagpal spring is the formation of the sulphur spring is attributed to Lord Vishnu or Narayana. This was well known as a Vedic pilgrimage centre. The spring rises beautifully from the foot of a small hill-lock. The water level is constant throughout the year.“We used to bring here new food crop and used to pray here, but due to the militancy, it was all stopped. Now with the things improving, we are back here to revive our culture,” said Maharaja Krishan Bamboo.Bamboo, who had dedicated his life for the re-look of Nagbal temple, is presently in Russia where his family stays. The main organizers, Jigen Ji Goja, Kaka Ji Koul and B K Wantoo thanked people from all the walks of life who have participated in the two day festival.Nagpal temples have been thrown open by Kashmiri Pandits for worship in Anantnag in 2003. Anantnag is home to highly honoured shrines from any faith, practicing it with utmost belief. (GNS)