Kashmiri Pandits perform Mahanavmi Puja in Srinagar

Srinagar, Oct 14: After a delay amid tension, Kashmiri Pandits on Wednesday performed Mahanavmi puja at Durga Nath temple in Sonwar area of Srinagar.
Manager of the temple, Makhan Lal Koul said that due to the untoward situation in the city for the past two weeks the administration didn’t allow the puja earlier.
“The puja was supposed to be conducted on 12 October as per the calendar but due to the circumstances, the administration didn’t allow it earlier,” Koul said. He said that though the puja took place Thursday, presence of devotees are less as compared to the previous year.
“Despite all odds, we are happy that the puja has finally taken place,” he said.
A devotee Ram Pal Kapoor from Orissa said that he and his family come every year from last nine years to perform Mahanavmi Puja.
“We have never felt insecure here. Kashmir is safe to visit,” Kapoor said.
Another devotee from Kishtwar said that the spree of the killings in the valley should stop and people from all the communities should live in peace and harmony. (KNO)