Hirra Azmat
Srinagar: Twitter has become a unifying force for Kashmiri Muslims and Pandits in the time of pandemic.
From Eid to Mela Kheer Bhawani, members of both communities have used the social media platform to bridge the divide. On Saturday, Muslims put up a heartwarming video on Twitter greeting Pandit brethren on Mela Kheer Bhawani also known Zyeth Atham.
Posted by `The Mashq Talks, Kashmir’s Ted acclaimed podcast’, the video featured several Muslims who greeted pandits in traditional Kashmiri style.
Umar Nisar, a radio jockey who runs the Twitter handle, told The Kashmir Monitor that the purpose of the video was to convey the message of Pandit-Muslim bonhomie.
“There are several preconceived notions regarding Kashmiri Muslims. People living outside Kashmir view us as somewhat averse to KPs, which is not the case. Pandits are among us and we whole-heartedly wanted to wish them on this occasion,” he said.
Situated at Tulmulla village, Kheer Bhawani temple is one of the holiest Hindu shrines in the valley. In the middle of the shrine, lies ancient holy spring on which a temple of Mata Ragnya Devi has been positioned. Devotees offer milk and kheer to the spring during the prayers. Legend says the color of the spring changes from time to time signaling the auspicious and inauspicious times ahead in the valley.
“Love and Warmth will help us bridge the gap. Heartwarming greetings on Zyeth Atham from a generation that grew up without KP’s around them. KP community this year couldn’t light lamps at Tullamulla due to COVID,” wrote Mohit Bhan.
Similarly, the doctor turned social activist Dr. Amit Wanchoo uploaded another video with a message: “Thank you, everyone. Kashmiris have a bond of love and compassion.”
“One of the best things about religions is festivals and the best things about festivals are cultures. Sadly, the Kheer Bhawani festival couldn’t happen this year. Jyestha Asththami Mubarak” tweeted Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Shahid Chowdhary.
Former Chief Minister and Vice President of National Conference Omar Abdullah tweeted: “Jyestha Ashthami greetings to Kashmiri Pandits everywhere. It’s a pity that COVID stopped the traditional gathering at Kheer Bhawani in Ganderbal. Hopefully next year the celebrations can resume.”
Last week, Kashmiri pandits posted a heartwarming video wishing Muslims on Eid ul Fitr. Young, old and children greeted people in Kashmiri language.
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