Kupwara, Nov. 12: The 75-year-old custom of celebrating Diwali at the Sharda temple on the Line of Control (LoC) in Teetwal, Kashmir, was revived in a historic event.
This was the temple’s first Diwali celebration since the partition, when tribal incursions unfortunately resulted in the burning down of the gurudwara and temple.
The puja was conducted by Commander Kumara Das of the 104 Vijay Shakti Brigade, signifying a critical milestone in the restoration of the area’s cultural legacy. The Save Sharda Committee Kashmir’s Head and Founder, Ravinder Pandita, was there, which gave the event more significance and highlighted the committee’s committed efforts to restore this historic site.
Numerous residents of Tribhoni hamlet and members of the Sikh community took part in the festivities, adding to the joyous mood. A feeling of community delight was fostered by the distribution of sweets and the performance of the Satyanarayan Puja.
Tehsildar Tangdhar Eyad Qadri, Dr. Sandeep Mawa, Sharda Committee members Ajaz Khan, Iftikhar, Retd. Capt. Ilyas, Hamid Mir, Yasir Ahmad Chuck, President of the Sport Association Karnah, and Sikhs from Tribhoni were among those in attendance. Their combined attendance at this important cultural event demonstrated the unity and diversity of representation.
Earlier in the day, people from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir’s (PoK) civil society walked across to the Chilhana side and gave Ravinder Pandita and the committee members cordial welcomes while brandishing white flags and Diwali wishes. The act demonstrated the transcending ability of cultural festivities to promote international harmony.
On this historic occasion, the Teetwal civil society further cemented the sense of togetherness and shared history by presenting a cake as a sign of fellowship. In addition to bringing back a beloved custom, the Sharda temple’s Diwali celebration served as a ray of hope for regional unity and cross-cultural understanding.
